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Colombia dance company draws out history on Vernon stage

The City of Others takes stage Feb. 18 by Sankofa Danzafro

A dynamic and empowering performance on tour from Medelin, Colombia, shares The City of Others at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) Tuesday.

Colombiaѻýs 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 Colombiaѻýs 159th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, commissioned by the mayorѻýs 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 ѻýshowcases the companyѻýs exploration of inclusion, resilience and collective belonging through powerful movement and live musicѻý, writes Vicki Duong, The Georgia Straight. ѻýIt draws on Colombiaѻýs complex history, particularly the experiences of its Afro-descendant communities. Inspired by the Ghanian concept of Sankofa (meaning ѻýto return to the rootѻý), it emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to shape the future.ѻý

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: ѻýIn The City of Others, this is their cityѻýit is everyoneѻýs city.ѻý

ѻýWe are repeatedly amazed by our internationally-touring contemporary dance companies,ѻý says VDPAC executive director, Jim Harding. ѻýThey are always bold in their interpretation, theatrical in their staging, and make the most of their obvious artistry they share with our audiencesѻýthatѻýs why we want to feature these artists in our SPOTLIGHT Seasons.ѻý

Tickets are available at the Ticket Seller Box Office (250-549-7469) and online at: 

Audience Advisory: Features intense themes of racial discrimination and struggle, which may evoke strong emotional responses.



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

20-year-Morning Star veteran
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