“The Girl Akili and Her Talking Drum” brings African oral tradition to free family shows in Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias starting April.
Created, written, and performed by Verônica Bonfim, the children’s show “The Girl Akili and Her Talking Drum” is coming to Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias with completely free admission for the whole family. Directed by Rodrigo França, the production honors African oral tradition, Black female protagonism, and the ancestral power of the griots — master storytellers who preserve the collective memory of African peoples.
Akili’s journey
The story follows Akili, a girl born in the small African village of Adimó, who dreams of traveling the world with her talking drum, Aláfia, singing and telling her people’s stories. Her greatest wish is to become a griot — guardian of her village’s oral tradition. Two mystical beings guide her along the way: Queen Ananse, a witty and wise spider, and the Lady of the Waters.
The drum stands at the sacred center of the story, representing an instrument of oral communication for African and indigenous peoples around the world. Through it, the show also highlights the value of friendship, respect for elders, and the essential role of children in building community.
“The dramaturgy of The Girl Akili is the result of deep research — all African civilizational values are present in this show. Two mystical beings guide Akili on her journey to become a griot, a guardian of her people’s oral tradition: Queen Ananse and the Lady of the Waters. It is a very beautiful show. I am very proud of it because it is part of my ancestry and it is my offering to all Black children, to all families, and to all those who want to see themselves represented in this story.” — Verônica Bonfim, creator and playwright
An Africa of kings and queens
Inspired by Verônica Bonfim’s first children’s book of the same name, the project offers a poetic, musical, and educational experience. It reaffirms the importance of stories and memory as bridges between generations — especially for Black families.
“Akili, the musical presents a colorful, diverse Africa — a vast continent with many countries, many languages, many peoples. I want to show children the power of our history and of this immense continent, the cradle of humanity. An Africa of kings and queens, to give back our crowns that were taken from us and to give children the true history — the one that was never told to us,” says Verônica Bonfim.
The project is sponsored by the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the State Secretary of Culture and Creative Economy (Secec) through the Literatura do Rio ao RJ public call. It is produced by Oh de Casa Produções Artísticas, with Paragogí Cultural as associate producer.
Event Info
- Show: The Girl Akili and Her Talking Drum
- April 15, 2026, at 2 PM — Teatro Firjan Sesi Caxias | Rua Artur Neiva, 100, Circular, Duque de Caxias – RJ
- May 5, 2026, at 3 PM — Areninha Cultural Municipal Sandra de Sá | Rua Doze, 1, Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
- Free admission | All ages welcome
- Production: Oh de Casa Produções Artísticas
- Sponsorship: Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro / Secec — Literatura do Rio ao RJ
