Mi Alma (2023)
In the interdisciplinary theater performance Mi Alma, a serene and paradisaical state of spiritual order is violently disrupted by external malevolent forces, mirroring the historical intrusions faced by the African diaspora. Junadry's dance—a fusion of West African styles, Curaçaoan tambu, waacking, and contemporary movements—embodies the struggle and resilience in her quest for a renewed existence. This journey through movement reflects the voyage across the Black Atlantic, navigating through the turbulent waters of history and reclaiming identity.
Through text and projected live drawings, I breathed life into Junadry's inner world. My work, inspired by West African mythology and Afrofuturist literature, disrupts conventional narratives and reshapes the dimensions of time and space. Each performance we pushed each other to the fullest in order to dive into the depths of spiritual and cultural liberation, much like our ancestors who defied the oppressive tides of their time.
Together, they weave a story that challenges and reclaims space, time, and identity, echoing the broader vision of liberation. It was challenged by critics, but eventually embraced by our community, which gave it a little bit of a cult following. Through this experience we are reminded that the path to liberation is an ongoing journey—a dance of defiance, resilience, and unity across the vast expanse of our shared histories and futures.
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