Another fantastic event under the Centre Stage imprint which provides subsidised quality performances in rural locations.

A man’s sleep is disturbed by images of the violent history of his country. Through dance, story and song we learnt about the transformation of a peaceful farming community in West Africa. Introduced to Western trinkets and with their cultural symbols disrespected they were sold into slavery and made the horrific journey to America. There they worked under harsh conditions struggling to keep their community and traditions alive. At times in despair they still managed to preserve their spirits and hopes and emerge to freedom. The performance stressed the unacceptability of one person owning another and then brought the story right up to date by asking that we live our own lives in a way that would not lead to anyone having to apologise for our actions in 200 years times.

For the 2nd half we were promised traditional Nigerian dance. Some cultural purists might wonder at the inclusion of the talking drum encouraging community singing of Jingle Bells – but the children definitely enjoyed it! And it gave a well deserved rest to the fantastically energetic and exuberant dancers. I was particularly taken by the haunting masquerade dance with the performers covered head to toe in white robes. All the dances in this part of the performance involved wonderful costumes and movement supported by drums.

We were told that the division between performers and audience was not part of the African tradition. The school children had been involved in a workshop during the day and were very excited and keen to demonstrate their new found skills – their parents were told that they too had to participate and some were able to overcome their traditional reticence to do so!