A Call to Prayer
By Zaquia Mahler Salinas with dancers Sergio Barrientos and Guillermo Castro
This body is a portal.
Through it
I listen to
time collapsing
as cells interphase, divide, and pass away -
37 trillion echoes and visions resounding through this flesh.
Borders are a myth - this body knows homeland.
Resistance is the undercurrent of my ancestors -
“Freedom” is the prayer that is whispered and screamed.
It is in the fig tree, and the cactus
the rhythmic invocation of soles of feet to soul of Earth
the hands that are joined
and the hands that are open
conjuring sovereignty.
This is
a spell a ritual
a practice
calling for
the abolition of empire
and our collective return.
“…what they build between them compresses global histories and prayers into one liquid container – rituals coalescing into a physically demanding finale of electronic resistance, a universal mediation on the desire to hold faith against political constriction. Important hope.” - ankita (thINKingDANCE)
Lighting Design by Andrea Sala
A very special thanks to
Evey Connerty-Marin (Production Electrician/Programmer)
Carlie Nieman (Board Operator)
Aiden Marshall (Crew)
Jassi Murad (Front of House)
Music (arranged and edited by Zaquia Mahler Salinas): Natacha Atlas; Zaumne; Ozoyo; Ganavya; Cellomano; Uma; Bibio; douniah; Anchorsong; KMRU; UCC Harlo
This development of this work was made possible in part with support from Mass Cultural Council, Cannonball Festival, Danza Orgánica, Midday Movement Series, DISCO RIOT, Boston Center for the Arts, and the Boston Mayors Office for Arts and Culture.