Iya Tunde, The Mother Came Back - UK Premiere Film

Synopsis

An evening in partnership with Mixed Roots Scotland, an Arts collective promoting music, dance and theatre of the African diaspora, with a film screening and short Afro-contemporary dance performance.

A portrait of legendary dancer Germaine Acogny, Iya Tunde, The Mother Came Back explores the legacy of Acogny’s dance practice, fusing West African and contemporary dance, and the dance school she founded in the remote fishing village in Senegal where she lives. A pioneering force in modern dance, the film also highlights the difficulties of being a Black woman working in a predominantly White industry. Featuring interviews with Acogny and her students, the film explores different ways of learning through the body, utilising nature as a driving thematic force.

The screening will be preceded by a contemporary dance performance by Erick Valentin Mauicia, entitled ‘Over the Water’. Erick is a founding member of Ayawara West African Dance and Percussion Ensemble, based in Glasgow. Erick brought his tradition, knowledge and experience of African music and dance to Glasgow from the distant West Indies, African Guinea and France. Erick is a trained ballet and contemporary dancer and had the pleasure to study with Germaine Acogny in Paris.

During his short dance performance Erick will invite us the explore the interaction between contemporary and traditional West African dance movement. This piece is accompanied by live drumming.

This event is held in partnership with Mixed Roots Scotland, a community group celebrating arts from around the globe, especially from Africa and the African Diaspora.