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Four-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo. © PATRICK FOUQUE
Guild Hall collaborated recently with costume designer Mary Jane Marcasiano for an in-depth conversation about an exciting world premiere production of “Yemandja” coming up at MASS MoCA, starring global superstar and four-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo. The recorded discussion, available now through May 15 on Guild Hall’s YouTube channel, includes panelists Angélique Kidjo, Naïma Hebrail Kidjo and Cheryl Lynn Bruce.
“Yemandja” is a new music theater work that is at once family drama and historical thriller, redolent of Greek tragedy and infused with themes of love, betrayal, honor, free will, and the horror and injustice of slavery. Named for a Yoruban deity, this MASS MoCA co-commission is a panoramic work of magical realism, a parable about gods and humans that illuminates through song what can happen when people are robbed of their culture.
Created in residency at MASS MoCA, “Yemandja” is written by Naïma Hebrail Kidjo, directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, with visual design by artist Kerry James Marshall, and features a cast of 10 performers plus four musicians. Costumes are designed by Mary Jane Marcasiano. “Yemandja” premieres at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Mass. on March 4 and 5. Visit guildhall.org for more information.
Staff Writer on Feb 25, 2022