Performance acts as outlet for cultural expression
Les Ballets Africains gives dancers chance to share
‘Heritage’
By Kathleen Rhames
Daily Bruin Contributor
For Italo Zambo, music and dance are more than just
entertainment.
"Our objective is to show the world that Africa has its own
culture," Zambo, the artistic director of Les Ballets Africains,
explains. "Our mission is to continue to show our culture through
art and civilization."
Zambo and the group will bring their culture to the Veterans’
Wadsworth Theater when they perform their production of "Heritage"
this weekend. For Zambo, his cultural heritage carries both
personal and national significance.
"’Heritage’ is our story about our legends," he says. "They are
presented as stories through art, folkdance and mime. We try to put
the best legends on stage, and to me that is the highlight of the
show."
The show’s theme centers on the accomplishments and aspirations
of Africa’s people, which have been passed from generation to
generation. Through traditional ballet and folkdance, the dancers
portray their "unifying message," a tale of brave men and women who
stress the importance of living righteously, respect for elders,
education of the young and appreciation of beauty.
"It’s traditional ballet," Zambo says. "But we take the story to
the village. We change the choreography a little and perform on
stage as if we were in the village."
Les Ballets Africains brings these tales of village life and the
culture they reveal to the stage. Founded in Paris in 1952 by the
choreographer Keita Fodeba, the group presents productions that
focus on universal issues within the cultural context of Africa. In
a time where independence was only a dream for most of that
continent, Les Ballets Africains was a way for native Africans to
keep their culture alive.
"At that time it was a very difficult time for us in Africa
because we were colonized by the French people," Zambo explains.
"The ballet was a way to show everyone our culture and art."
Les Ballets Africains is now the national dance company of the
Republic of Guinea, which can be divided into four national
regions: The Highlands, the Coastal Region, the Forest Region and
Foutah Djellon. The group’s dancers come from all four regions,
making the company an extremely diverse group in culture, language
and practice.
"Different dancers go with different legends in the
performance," says Zambo. "It’s the many different nationalities
that gave Les Ballet Africains its name."
DANCE: Les Ballets Africains at the Veterans’ Wadsworth Theater
March 15 at 8 p.m., March 16 at 2:30 and 8 p.m. For ticket prices
and other info, call (310) 825-2101.
Les Ballets Africains performs at the Wadsworth March 15-16.
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