Voices of Strength: Contemporary Dance & Theater by Women From Africa September 22, 2012

This is a mini-festival featuring five female African choreographers, Through traditionally-rooted dance and bold contemporary idioms, this two-evening program tackles diverse political and social themes that articulate women's struggles toward empowerment. 'Program A' features 'Correspondances,' a raucous yet intimate duet by Kettly Noel and Nelisiwe Xaba that explores race, culture, gender and friendship; and 'Quartiers Libres,' a commanding solo by Nadia Beugre with interactive sound exploring the struggle between cultural boundaries and personal freedom. 'Program B' begins with 'Sombra' by Maria Helena Pinto, a stark and poignant solo that gives voice to the lives of "invisible" women who push society forward; followed by 'Madame Plaza,' a profoundly contemporary piece by Bouchra Ouizguen featuring three Aita vocalists, whose traditional technique includes guttural wailing and incantation.