An absolutely beautiful piece that sought to display the beauty and challenges that unify all mothers. Their shared memories, shared journeys, and healing that is presented to them. Neri Torres, the choreographer, connects her Afro-Cuban roots by integrating feminine deities to each of these chapters. Yemaya (The Ocean), Ochun (The River), and Oya (The first Amazon and a spirit of ancestral memory). Each of these dieties recognizing a chapter in life or in motherhood. 

 

The lighting follows the dance in its three chapters that it presents through music and energy. The initial movement, which is a representation of memory, is a calm sweeping movement. All of the dancers move in unison except for the lead dancer, Jensen Springer, represents the memory of these womens’ past. The cool blues bringing in a sense of calling. Calling to the women of our lives, calling to the waters of the ocean which surrounded Cuba, and a calling to action to the group. 

 

The second movement, marked with red and sillhouettes, invites the spirits of their roots to take possesion of their life. Like their ancestors, they line up in unison and are seen as one in the eyes of history. They struggle against the fact and fight for their desires eventually passing and becoming one with the earth through death. 

     

The third movement is almost romantic as the women reconsile with their differences and begin a cycle of rebirth. The women circle up and draw their last, or maybe even their first breath.