OYU ORO 2014 Premiere + Workshop Weekend

Click below to watch:
Clips from our 2011 and 2013 premiere and other repertoires
 
Danys "La Mora" Pérez, an internationally acclaimed Afro-Cuban dance specialist and a former principal dancer of Ballet Folklorico Cutumba, is raising funds for her dance company's annual premiere. Oyu Oro will present "El Iyawo" on June 14th and June 15th in New York City.
 
Choreographed and directed by La Mora, "El Iyawo" is part of an epic poem that exemplifies the work of the company's diverse cultural roots and illustrates vivid fragments of history, ritual, tradition, folklore and modern dance that have inspired contemporary expressions in world music and world dance. "El Iyawo" incorporates traditional dance forms that derive from Yoruba (Lucumi, Orisha), Congo (Bantu, Palo) and Dahomeyan - Beninese(Vodu, Arara, Yesa) Calabar-Camerun (Carabali)cultures of West Africa and the Haitian influences that remain in Cuba. It also adds a contemporary accent through the Cuban popular dances such as Rumba (UNESCO's World Intangible Cultural Heritage) and the unique style of Cuban Modern dance to let you simultaneously witness its past and present.

The first chapter of this series, "Palenque," took place at La Mama Annex Stage in February 2007. Through dance, song, music and drama, "Palenque" explored the life of Cimarrones -- runaway slaves -- in Cuba, the need for unity and freedom, and the struggle to overcome the hardships of slavery and cultural differences in order to survive. For this artistic endeavor, La Mora gathered together seasoned Afro-Cuban artists in America -- including 12 Cuban master artists -- and a 20-plus group of New York-based dancers, vocalists, musicians and actors. This unprecedented two-week event was greeted with rave reviews and sold-out audiences.

"El Iyawo," the second chapter of this drama series, will ignite the stage with Cuban expressions by reaffirming its footprint in the universal history of the mother land, Africa in the American continent and in the Caribbean.  "El Iyawo" is an experience in the form of art, human science and anthropology.

The performance is made possible by the sponsorship of New York State Council on the Arts and support from the Center for Traditional Music and Dance. However, we are seeking to raise $5,000 to pay for additional rehearsals, and to invite and incorporate the special master artists with a strong background in the national dance companies and music groups in Cuba. Their participation will not only raise the caliber of our performance, but will offer a special opportunity for the community to study with them through workshops.

The $5,000 we seek to raise will cover the following:

1. Rehearsal rental costs. (A spacious studio that accommodates big casts and big theatrical props and that allows live percussion is very limited and expensive in New York City. We also need support to pay for the technical rehearsal at the theater.)
 
2.  Guest's travel expenses, compensation, accommodation and stipend as well as special workshops during their two-week stay in New York. 

3. Special costumes and the stage props that represent the epoch of 18th-century Africa and Colonial period in the Caribbean.

4. Expert lighting designer, and sound and video technicians to elevate the stage experience as a whole.

Contributions in any amount are sincerely appreciated. As a heartfelt thank-you, we are determined to create a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.

We hope you will be part of this project because it is through your support that we will create an unforgettable performance and incredible educational opportunity that unites first-line masters of Afro-Cuban dance and music in the New York City. Oyu Oro means "a water lily that serves as a crown of the ocean." In essence, Oyu Oro represents the majestic beauty of Afro-Cuban dance that is continually nurtured by its surrounding community in Cuba and in New York. Please join us!

For work samples and the information about Danys "La Mora" Pérez and OYU ORO Afro-Cuban Experimental Dance Ensemble, please visit our website at oyuoro-afrocuban.com.