Somewhere at the Beginning is a breathtaking, autobiographical solo from Germaine Acogny, that is moving and illuminating. The history of one long life traverses its way across continents, intermingling with the histories of Africa and Europe and just as inseparable from either.
Employing text, film, music and movement, the work confronts a troubled past while conjuring a vivid portrait of the dynamic present that is West Africa and its diaspora. It unearths the devastating lived effects of colonial Christianity while connecting with the suppressed power of her grandmother’s Yoruban spirituality. As Acogny lays waste to patriarchal power structures, new possibilities to forge alternative paths appear, but at each turn this insightful and singular artist is reminded that it is never fully possible to escape your beginnings.
At 79 years of age, Acogny is considered worldwide the mother of contemporary African dance.
Part of FRAME: A biennial of dance.
From $10 to $35