An examination of works by Wole Soyinka and Tarell McCraney demonstrate how Yoruba tradition and cosmology adapted to survive cultural genocide and colonialism. Here, we will examine the path of conception, production, and synopsis as they retrace and reconquer the middle passage. It’s a few minutes before 7:30PM in WaterlooContinue reading
Category: North America
Food, Conflict, and Performance
Synopsis: The combination of food and performance has a special power to foster conversation. The New York productions of Oh My Sweet Land and the entire premise of Conflict Kitchen demonstrate that when these two are put together, they can impact the way people think about geopolitical issues and conflicts.Continue reading
El Güegüense
El Güegüense is a Nicaraguan play about a trickster outwitting colonial authorities that comes from traditions of dance and street theater and is performed at the feast of San Sebastián every year in Diriamba. Introduction El Güegüense is a play closely tied to Nicaraguan identity and culture. The playContinue reading
Posadas en Mexico
OVERVIEW: Different communities and cultures have created variations in the way that they celebrate Christmas. In San Luis Potosi, Mexico the streets are filled with lights, music and people from all social classes through traditional Posadas. More than a reenactment of the Holy Family’s journey, Posadas are an event thatContinue reading
Black Marching Bands of the South
OVERVIEW: Marching bands in black communities around the South provide a theatrical way to combine sports with music and performance. They can be seen marching, dancing, and playing their instruments through the streets as large groups of people line up to watch. Despite its connections to the Civil War period, it laterContinue reading
Día de los Muertos
OVERVIEW: Día de los Muertos is a Latin American festival celebrating the death of loved ones. The holiday is a fusion of indigenous practices and Catholic colonial influences. The vibrant art, the colorful traditions and the joyous occasion inspire many in and beyond Mexico. Celebrating the Unforgotten All around the CatholicContinue reading
Día de los Muertos: Uncovering the Authentic Practices
OVERVIEW: All around the Catholic world, the first and second of November are reserved for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (or Día de Todos los Santos and Día de las Ánimas in Spanish) to mourn the loss of loved ones. Día de los Muertos: In Celebration, rather than Memoriam BriefContinue reading
New Orleans Mardi Gras
OVERVIEW: The Carnival in Rio De Janeiro is one of the best-known parties in the world and is considered the largest carnival in the world. Rio Carnival is a five day celebration and a national holiday. An Overview of Mardi Gras in New Orleans New Orleans Mardi Gras, a local CarnivalContinue reading
