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Chile-native Carolina Fuentes is many things, but scared of being heard is not one of them.
Once a self-described quieter girl, Ms. Fuentes, 30, is now a drumming powerhouse, using her solo performance to incorporate her unique brand of drumming, vocals, dance and video to tell a story of empowerment for women worldwide—a cause that she has been deeply passionate about long before moving to the East End at age 17. Now, Ms. Fuentes—who goes by the stage name Mila Tina—is set to appear at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor on Friday, April 6, as part of Organización Latino-Americana of Eastern Long Island’s Pachanga 2018: Viva La Mujer!, a celebration of female sexual assault survivors inspired by the #MeToo, or #YoTambien, movement.
“The idea of my show is to make women feel strong and happy and empowered and proud of who and what they are,” Ms. Fuentes said about her portion of the pachanga, a traditional Spanish concert or party featuring numerous artists and performances. “It is not about how we are hurt or get put down. It is how we make the earth better with our movements. It is something I am very passionate about—finding my voice using drumming.”
Ms. Fuentes created her own arrangement of percussion instruments to give her the flexibility she wants on stage. While many of her instruments are Latin based, she incorporates sounds and techniques from around the world, while clips and pictures of women are displayed behind her. She took on the stage name Mila Tina, a play on “my Latina,” to show her roots.
Though she was a victim of sexual assault as a young girl, Ms. Fuentes said it is not something she chooses to dwell on now. Instead, she focuses on finding strong, inspiring women in history and literature to relate to—stories she hopes to convey throughout her show.
One of her favorite genres, she explained, is Greek classics, because goddesses were worshiped on the same level as male gods, never as an inferior class. In particular, she identifies with Cybele, the Mother of Gods, who was often depicted playing in nature with lions and, fittingly so, drumming.
“These women were strong and feared and helped shape history with their victories—they were just as capable as men,” she said.
“I incorporate images of women warriors and dancers into my show. They are featured in all of my videos,” she continued. “This is an important part of the art that I create.”
In a statement about the upcoming event, Organización Latino-Americana of Eastern Long Island Executive Director Minerva Perez said she is proud to have Ms. Fuentes as part of the program, saying her show can help others find strength in being heard.
“Carolina’s use of music, movement and raw rhythm transforms pain into pure joy and a life force of epic proportions,” Ms. Perez said. “This pachanga is dedicated to those who have been able to find their strength and those who are still struggling to rely on all of us to listen and to honor their experiences so the healing can begin.”
But for Ms. Fuentes, the experience is less about healing and more about being heard. She said she feels blessed for having a voice and a vehicle to use it.
“I have created this whole journey about women being in power and coming into power,” Ms. Fuentes said. “I’m really excited to show it.”
on Apr 1, 2018