Commonwealth Speakers:World Culture


Brujo de la Mancha explores the rich spirituality of Aztec dance. From Mexican Identity in the XXI Century.

Due to globalization and immigration, physical distance is no longer a barrier between different societies throughout the world. It is important that we understand the different individuals we now are more likely to encounter. From discussions of Mexican identity, to demonstrations of African folklore, these talks shed light on the cultures that make up the human community.

African Arts of the Yoruba Diaspora F H P
Through songs, stories, drumming and bead work, audiences experience a presentation that is both performance and discussion while learning about the Yoruba Diaspora of Cuba and the US. The Yoruba, a large ethnic group from southwest Nigeria, were taken as slaves to Cuba. Because of their large numbers, the Yoruba were able to recreate their religion, values and language in the enslaved communities of the New World. A priest in the Yoruba tradition, Temujin Ekunfeo researches African folklore from the Americas and Africa and shares this knowledge by means of family-oriented, audience-participatory storytelling presentations. All of this is done in the ancient tradition of hailing crowds with his talking drum.

Equipment: If possible, microphone.

Temujin Ekunfeo, Pittsburgh
Teaching Artist

Is the West Destined for a Clash of Civilizations with Islam? L
Ever since September 11 (and even going back to the end of the Cold War), some scholars have employed a "clash of civilizations" paradigm to describe the often tense political and cultural relations between the Western and Islamic worlds. At the same time, other thinkers have rejected this characterization as an inaccurate and dangerously self-fulfilling prophecy, and have put forward a model of global cooperation and mutual interest. What are the major arguments on both sides of the debate? How do they each use historical events, religious beliefs, political conflict and cultural attitudes to project the "true" nature of Islamic-Western relations. Using a lecture format, Douglas Penhallegon leads audiences through these issues in an even-handed and systematic fashion.

Equipment: Podium. If possible, microphone.

Douglas Penhallegon, Pittsburgh
History & Humanities Lecturer, Duquesne University & Point Park University

Mexican Identity in the XXI Century F L P
This presentation explores the rich spirituality of Aztec dance. After the Spanish unsuccessfully attempted to eradicate the native cultures of Mexico (including their spiritually-powerful dance and music), they decided to mix aspects of Mexican indigenous traditions with their Catholic traditions. Some native Mexican people used this as a way to preserve mystical and spiritual aspects of Mexican indigenous wisdom. This talk explores Mexican identity and culture and also features a short documentary on the contemporary Aztec dance troupe of which Brujo de la Mancha is the founder. De la Mancha also explains the significance of clay flutes in traditional dance, and plays traditional melodies on flutes that he has made.

Equipment: Chalk board, DVD player, laptop computer, LCD projector, microphone (multidirectional, if possible), overhead projector and screen.

Francisco Javier Hernandez Carbajal(aka) Brujo de la Mancha, Philadelphia
Teaching Artist

Sevdalinka: A Musical Tour of Bosnia F H L P
Drawn from Turkish, Greek, Slavic and German traditions, sevdalinka is a ballad form unique to Bosnia. This hauntingly-beautiful folk music consists of old songs, but contemporary Bosnians still draw on them. No baby shower, no dating, no wedding, no event is without sevdalinkas. Starting with lullabies, then moving on to children's songs, teenage years, marriage and old age, this presentation takes participants through the life of a Bosnian—all through folk song. A look at how Bosnian women's lives have changed due to Islam, communism, secularism and the recent Bosnian genocide also is discussed.

Mensura Berberovic, Erie
Folk Musician

The Spirit of Carnival F H P
Experience the excitement of carnival in the streets of Port-of-Spain, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans with professional dancer and ethnologist Tracie York. Each year, pulsating drum rhythms, flamboyant costumes and a coterie of colorful dancers transform the streets of Trinidad, Brazil and New Orleans to create non-stop street parties and elaborate displays of political, social, cultural and national solidarity. Dressed in stunning carnival pageantry, Yorke uses carnival props, video projections and music to take participants on an interactive journey through the fascinating histories of each one of these carnivals. The presentation closes, as all carnival celebrations do, with a parade of champions, drawn from the audience.

Equipment: CD player, display table, LCD projector, microphone, podium, screen. Clean wood floor/stage surface to support barefoot dance. This area should be a minimum of 20'x20' and 13' ceiling height with access to electrical outlets and dimmed lighting to accommodate projected images.

Tracie Yorke, Pittsburgh
Choreographer & Teaching Artist

Key to Presentations
F Family/Younger Audiences
H Hands-on/Active Participation
L Lectures
P Performances
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