Finding your purpose in life often leads back to your roots. Tapping into a deep connection with your ancestors to discover something you never realized was possible. This is the story of “Nzinga.”
Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, along with Centre du Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui and the Montreal company La Sentinelle, presents this performance starring Tatiana Zinga Botao. Although her love of theatre blossomed during her time in Quebec, her roots can be traced back to her native country, Congo.
In her journey of self-discovery, Botao soon realized the missing link within her ancestral thread. The name Zinga comes from one of her ancestors, who ruled as the queen of Angola in the 17th century. Nzinga is a historiographical tale that fills in the missing link between generations.
Nzinga’s organizers said: “Sudbury's francophone community is incredibly diverse. This production is a perfect opportunity to come together to learn more about one another and enjoy a great evening of Francophone theatre.”
This show is a rich and captivating one-woman show which explores her Congo-to-Brussels-to-Canada triangle which laid the foundation for her life’s voyage, and sets the stage for Botao’s retelling of this fascinating journey in the style of African tale-tellers.
It was written by Botao, along with Alexis Diamond and Marie Louise Bibish Mumbu. Botao weaves her life experiences into this show, which will be performed at The Great Hall, Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury.
It promises to be an eye-opening and enlightening experience for all attendees, as Botao traces back her family roots to the throne as the queen of Angola. It is these life experiences — and ancestral memories — that shaped her into the person she is today.
The theatre company Théâtre de La Sentinelle shines the spotlight on BIPOC artists and amplifies their stories to tell to the masses. As the only Canadian African-descendant-run theatre company in the country, La Sentinelle’s mission is to create shows that focus on people from underrepresented communities.
There will be two performances of Nzinga, Friday, October 24, at 7:30pm and Saturday, October 25, at 2:30pm.
Friday’s performance will include a live discussion after the show with English surtitles. Saturday’s show will include story time for children and crafts, so adults can enjoy the performance, while their kids are entertained with a story, crafts and a snack.
Don’t miss Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario’s presentation of “Nzinga”, October 24 and 25 at The Great Hall, Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury.
Get your tickets now at Letno.ca.