Presented with community partners Blackout Art Society and Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre
Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton Street)
Running time: 60 minutes (no intermission)
“Dance is a voice in favor of equity. It helped us survive in times of slavery. It was our voice when we were denied the word. It became a narrative, a memory and a hope for the future.” – Rafael Palacios, choreographer
Created in celebration of Colombia’s 159th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, The City of Others takes apart the country’s history and culture to examine its complex and often agonizing past.
For thousands of people, cities can be a place of hostility, loneliness, and discrimination. Palacios believes that for life to be positive and constructive for collective communities, it is necessary to embrace the extended family concept prevalent in rural communities: what I own is for everyone; under my roof, there is room for someone else.
With the second largest Afro-descent population in Latin America, Colombia’s diasporic communities have suffered discrimination and inequality. In The City of Others, twelve dancers and musicians occupy the stage, laying claim to political and social power, reconstituting the theatrical space as a site of democracy, equality, and wholeness. This is their city – it is everyone’s city.
Introducing new family & youth (under 18) pricing for matinee performances. Learn more at dancehouse.ca/tickets
The City of Others was created in celebration of Colombia’s 159th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery. It was commissioned by the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, Casa de Integración Afrocolombiana, 2010.
“The evening’s revelation was Sankofa’s ‘The City of Others’, an episodic work about urban struggle and resilience combining elements of hip-hop and Afro-Colombian dance.” - Siobhan Burke, The New York Times
“Judicious in form, resonant with meaning, and delivered in dance languages that ran the gamut from diasporic African to Latinised hip-hop” - Apollinaire Scherr, Financial Times
“Exhilarating … [a] forward-looking use of tradition. …evokes an urban environment where resilience meets harsh realities.” —The New York Times
The term “Sankofa” comes from Ashanti (Ghana), meaning, in essence, to go back to the root.
Sankofa Danzafro is Colombia’s leading contemporary dance company. Founded by Rafael Palacios in 1997, the company focuses on Afro-Colombian and contemporary dance forms, blending traditional African dance elements with original, powerful choreography. Sankofa Danzafro aims to explore and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Colombian communities while addressing contemporary social issues.
Rafael Palacios, the Artistic Director, is motivated by a compelling mission: to rewrite the history of African Diasporic communities in Colombia and throughout the globe. His inspiration stems from the recognition that historical narratives have traditionally been shaped and documented by the oppressors, often marginalizing and silencing the voices of the oppressed.
For more than two decades, Palacios, a disciple of Germaine Acogny, has channeled his motivation into his artistic work. By collaborating with the dancers and musicians of Sankofa Danzafro, Palacios creates performances that aim to retell history from the perspective of those who have been historically ignored. Through dance and music, Palacios seeks to give a voice to the oppressed, reclaiming their history and share their experiences.
Sankofa Danzafro has become a powerful vehicle for cultural expression and social commentary. The company’s performances showcase the beauty of Afro-Colombian dance, but also serve as a platform for addressing social issues, challenging historical narratives, and advocating for the recognition and empowerment of marginalized communities. Palacios’ commitment to amplifying the voices of the oppressed contributes significantly to the broader discourse on representation, equality, and social justice through the medium of dance.
Top image: Sankofa Danzafro The City of Others (La Ciudad de los Otros) © Jiesson Riascos.
