The dance performance celebrates Afro-diasporic heritage, ancestry and memory in São Paulo on December 5, 6, 12, and 13.
The Cia Forè collective, formed by Black and peripheral artists from the metropolitan region of São Paulo, debuts “Cabaças – Memórias Umzimba” at Sesc 24 de Maio for a short season on December 5, 6, 12 and 13. Inspired by a South African myth that says the world was born from a gourd, the piece tells the story of young Umzimba, who meets a mystical being that gifts her sacred gourds containing ancestral power and memories, guiding her on a journey through identity and ancestry.
Directed and choreographed by Ton Moura, who also co-wrote the dramaturgy with Nayla Delfino, the show merges dance, poetry, music and ritual elements. The body becomes an archive of memory and resistance, linking stories between the past and present, community and individuality, matter and spirit.
“Presenting this work here and now is essential because it speaks to the memories and spiritualities of Black and peripheral communities,” says Ton Moura. “It reaffirms traditional knowledges and returns art to the communities that inspired it.”
Memory and movement
The cast includes Acauã Solí, Erick Malccon, Jhefferson Gomes, Kidauane Regina, Nayla Delfino, Miguel Menezzes and Ton Moura. The team features Thaise Reis (body preparation), Petyta Reis (costumes), Raphael Mota (lighting) and Fabiano Savan (soundtrack and operation).
Cia Forè is a multidisciplinary collective researching African dances—especially from West Africa—Afro-contemporary languages and Afro-Brazilian ritual traditions. The company uses the body as both a poetic and political instrument to affirm identity and strengthen community bonds.
Supported by the VAI 1 program in 2024, the project premiered in May 2025 and was nominated for the APCA Award in the Technical category. After the first show on December 5, an open discussion with the cast and creative team will take place.
Service
Cabaças – Memórias Umzimba, Cia Forè
Dates: December 5, 6, 12, and 13 (Fridays and Saturdays), at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Sesc 24 de Maio – 4th floor
Tickets: R$12 (Sesc members), R$20 (half-price), R$40 (full)
Rating: All ages
Photo: Inspiração Seis / Divulgação
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