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.
Lighting Design by Andrea Sala
Music (arranged and edited by Zaquia Mahler Salinas): Natacha Atlas; Zaumne; Ozoyo; Ganavya; Cellomano; Uma; Bibio; douniah; Anchorsong; KMRU; UCC Harlo
“…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 meditation on the desire to hold faith against political constriction. Important hope.”
- ankita (thINKingDANCE)
Upcoming Events
Lamplight AVL, Asheville: April 29-May 13
A R&D residency for A Call to Prayer’s installation elements – integrating objects, projections, and spatial design – while inviting community members to participate directly. Community can sign up for 30-minute individual time slots May 4-9 and attend the culminating event on May 10th.
Previous Events
Movement Research: April 13, 2026.
An excerpt of A Call to Prayer was shares at the Movement Research Artist of Color Council Night at Judson Church.
UC Santa Barbara: February 17, 2026
Thank you to the Dance Department for the process space, to Christina McCarthy (UCSB Theater and Dance Director of Performance) for production support, and Mira Kulkarni (Front of House)
Boston Center for the Arts: November 6-8, 2025
A very special thanks to: Evey Connerty-Marin (Production Electrician/Programmer), Carlie Nieman (Board Operator), Aiden Marshall (Crew), Sarah Pacheco, Jassi Murad, Carmen Rizzo (Front of House)
Cannonball Festival (Philly Fringe): September 26-28, 2025
Icebox Performance Space
The 2025 development of this work was made possible in part by support from Mass Cultural Council, Cannonball Festival, Danza Orgánica, Midday Movement Series, DISCO RIOT, Somerville Arts Council, Boston Center for the Arts, and the Boston Mayors Office for Arts and Culture.