A dynamic and empowering performance on tour from Medelin, Columbia, shares The City of Others at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) Tuesday.
Colombia鈥檚 leading contemporary dance company Sankofa Danzafro is in town for the Feb. 18 show at 7:30 p.m.
The City of Others was created by Sankofa Danzafro in celebration of Colombia鈥檚 159th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, commissioned by the mayor鈥檚 office of Medellin, Casa de Integracion Afrocolombiana, in 2010.
The City of Others is a high-powered, high-energy Afro-Colombian musical and dance performance with a dramatic flare for storytelling that 鈥渟howcases the company鈥檚 exploration of inclusion, resilience and collective belonging through powerful movement and live music鈥�, writes Vicki Duong, The Georgia Straight. 鈥淚t draws on Colombia鈥檚 complex history, particularly the experiences of its Afro-descendant communities. Inspired by the Ghanian concept of Sankofa (meaning 鈥渢o return to the root鈥�), it emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to shape the future.鈥�
In this performance, these communities and other marginalized peoples, who have been treated in the same dismissive manner - as second class citizens - claim political and social power, transcending racism and prejudice for an ultimately exulting and empowering climax.
Founded by Rafael Palacios, artistic director, Sankofa Danzafro has become a powerful vehicle for cultural expression and social commentary: 鈥淚n The City of Others, this is their city鈥攊t is everyone鈥檚 city.鈥�
鈥淲e are repeatedly amazed by our internationally-touring contemporary dance companies,鈥� says VDPAC executive director, Jim Harding. 鈥淭hey are always bold in their interpretation, theatrical in their staging, and make the most of their obvious artistry they share with our audiences鈥攖hat鈥檚 why we want to feature these artists in our SPOTLIGHT Seasons.鈥�
Tickets are available at the Ticket Seller Box Office (250-549-7469) and online at: http://www.ticketseller.ca
Audience Advisory: Features intense themes of racial discrimination and struggle, which may evoke strong emotional responses.
