By Kathy Chouteau
The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts will premiere the drumming and dance performance “Hogbetsotso–Day of Crossing Over,” Sat. June 10 at 7 p.m. and Sun., June 11 at 3:30 p.m. at its Richmond location.
Audience members will have the remarkable opportunity to take in a “dance and drumming production created by renowned West African choreographer and master drummer, Dr. CK Ladzekpo,” according to center reps. Hogbetsotso–Day of Crossing Over “will compress a traditional week-long reenactment of the Anlo-Ewe’s mythic flight from tyranny to freedom while celebrating the climactic court of chiefs/elders.”
As part of the performance, dance and music “episodes” will accompany comic spirit entities and acrobats, while storytellers offer commentary on the “exodus tale.” There will be prayers and dance in honor of “the souls lost during the escape” contrasting with modern dance and music that “signify the creative energy, freedom of expression and safety from slavery that the Ewe enjoy today,” per the center.
General Admission tickets are $10, or $100 for VIP tickets that include a pre-performance reception. The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts is located at 339 11th St. in Richmond. Questions? Call (510) 234-5624 or email [email protected]. Learn more about the center here.
