Facets of Africa Matinee Series

IFCC Passport Holders click here to reserve this show.

Portland’s most vibrant performing artists share legends and personal tales representing the many facets of Africa based culture. Each performance is followed by an open discussion exploring this contribution to the tapestry of America.

In this wonderful family show, IFCC presents artists and storytellers from a variety of African countries and African-based cultures to celebrate the diversity with in African culture. Join the performers for a discussion after the show. Also, don’t miss the Facets of Africa Gallery Exhibit featuring the work of IFCC‘s 2008–2009 Artist in Residence, Kenyan, Jacob Wachira Ezgibo.

And teachers don’t miss the opportunity to compliment your students experience with an in-school residency with Jacob Wachira Ezgibo.

Facets of Africa features some of Portland’s most vibrant performing artists:

Habiba is a native of Ghana, West Africa. She has performed in the United States and internationally for fifteen years. In the Northwest, she has been featured with Milagro Bailadores, Northwest Afrikan American Ballet, Tiempo Caribe, Tygres Heart Theatre and Keith Goodman and Dance Gatherers. She also directs and produces her own shows for audiences locally and internationally. She combines her knowledge and deep appreciation of her cultural heritage with lively storytelling, music and humor. Habiba holds a degree in Theater and a Certificate of Dance from Portland State University and is currently a part-time faculty member. She received the Lila Jewel Award in 2002 in recognition of her work as an artist.

Caton Lyles who has been active on the local music scene for over 30 years. He has been featured on national and international television, in commercials, documentaries, and episodic programming. Lyles specializesin traditional West African and Afro-Cuban styles of hand drumming, and continues to be a dance accompanist working with several school districts and world-renowned choreographers and dance educators.

Graciela Teofield keeper of the family tales. The repeater of the family proverbs. Teofield received the baton of our oral history from her grandmother, Tita who taught her how to tell a story in such a way, that it allows the listener to feel the experience of the story first hand. The richness of Caribbean, Central American and American culture weaves lovely texture and visual images through the spoken word.

Samantha Vandermere is a Native of South Africa and brings a unique voice to the table. She is a professional story teller, actress and local producer. Her company Shaking the Tree facilitates all kinds of story tellers.

Jennifer Lanier is a resident artist at IFCC and hosts the Facets of Africa series, weaving in her own story of the Diaspora and a traditional African American folk tale. Jennifer is a recent transplant from Hawaii and can be seen later this season at the IFCC in her one woman show “None of the Above”.