Dance, music program celebrates African culture

December 1, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla.–The University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance and Center for World Arts in association with the Center for African Studies will present “Agbedidi Africa: Dance and Drum” this weekend.

The program will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Constans Theatre in the Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion.

This collaborative effort among the School of Theatre and Dance, Center for World Arts and New World School of the Arts (Miami) is celebrating its 16th anniversary.

Named in honor of UF’s first African artist-in-residence, Ghanaian master drummer Godwin Agbeli, “Agbedidi,” in the Ewe language means “long life.” Agbe means “life” and didi means “long,” invoking a long life for African culture throughout the world.

In addition to an array of colorful and dynamic dance and music, this year “Agbedidi” stages the dramatic struggles of teen-age pregnancy and its impact on community life.

The music features live traditional percussion. Stellar West African guest artists lead the cast of “Agbedidi,” which is comprised of high-energy theatre, dance and music student-performers.

“Agbedidi” is choreographed this year by the renowned Guinean dancer and guest-artist Marietou Camara; Elikem Nyamuame, a doctoral student in ethnomusicology and veteran “Agbedidi” choreographer; and Terrence Jamison, a senior dance major.

The program has been directed by Mohamed DaCosta, one of a select number of practice-based cultural authorities on the traditional performing arts of West Africa living in the United States. He is from Boké, Guinea, and has served as a member of the faculty in the School of Theatre and Dance since 2003.

“Agbedidi Africa: Dance and Drum” showcases extraordinary professional and student performers in a celebration of culture to celebrate and advance the understanding and appreciation of the wealth of African cultural forms.

Tickets are available for all students, faculty, staff and senior citizens for $13 and to the general public for $17. For tickets and information, call the University Box Office at 352-392-1653 or reserve them online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Free parking is available at the Reitz Union parking garage and the Museum Road parking lot.