Brisbane, 10 November 2023. Sponsored by the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), the show of the cultural group Afrekete was presented today in the Australian city.
The presentation, performed by Cubans living in Australia, explores the advent of the formation of the Cuban-Australian identity that has been growing over time in different generations.
According to information from BEMAC:
A dynamic and original show that explores the spiritual journey of music, dance, and culture developed in Cuba by African slaves and their descendants, and their subsequent transfer to Australian shores.
For this performance, a world-class cast of musicians and dancers blend traditional Cuban percussive styles with contemporary interpretations, including original compositions, exploring ideas of hybridity and transformation in the context of modern Cuban identity in Australia.
A Tale of Moving Gods" is a spiritual and entertaining performance, presented by Afrekete, one of Australia's leading Cuban cultural organizations since 2012. Based on authenticity and connection, their shows take audiences on exhilarating and educational journeys.
The show featured rarely heard batá drumming by Dom Kirk, Kent Windress, and David Allen, and a cast of world-class dancers, including Afrekete founding members Christina Monneron and Israel Ortiz, Guantánamo-born dancer and teacher Pilo Selguera, and renowned acro-dancer and former Ballet Revolución soloist Yasim Coronado Veranes. The program included traditional practices and contemporary interpretations of Cuba that together forge a modern Cuban-Australian identity.