Shango | The Poetics of Grief

Shango / The Poetics of Grief | Mexico Art Week | 2024

Shango | The Poetics of Grief | 2024

Performers Carolina Camacho & Rose Lembelembe Drummer Camilo Woppe

Art Direction & Costume Designs by Yelaine Rodriguez Camera Patricia Encarnacion Curator Ju Ci Reis

Shango | The Poetics of Grief is a compelling performance that explores the intricate relationship between Afro-syncretic practices and the profound human experience of loss. Drawing from the rich traditions of African spiritual systems, particularly focusing on the Orisha Shango, this work weaves together music, dance, and visual artistry to manifest the visceral nature of grief as a collective and transformative force. The performance integrates elements of Yoruba religion and its syncretism with various cultural practices, creating a tapestry of rhythmic patterns and expressive movements that symbolize the interplay of joy and sorrow. Through evocative storytelling and communal rituals, Shango | The Poetics of Grief invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences of mourning while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. As it bridges ancestral wisdom with contemporary expressions of grief, this performance serves not only as an artistic offering but also as a space for healing, connection, and understanding within diverse communities.