The Afro-Cuban experience—from arrival on the island as enslaved people through to contemporary "solar habanero" life—is the subject of the new Cuban musical Alma. Following a sold-out world premiere recently at Teatro Nacional de Cuba, the dance show is expected to arrive in New York City in Spring 2023.
Conceived and directed by Iván Belaustegui, the show uses a variety of music and dance styles—including even shadow dance and aerial work—to tell the story of Yaya, an African woman captured and brought via slave ship to Cuba. Act II of the musical centers on Yaya's descendent, Alma, and her struggle to escape the Solar (multifamily apartments). Music is by Efraín Chibás and choreography by Joan Morell, with shadow work by Adam Battlestein.
For more information on the new work, visit AlmaTheMusical.com. Check out production photos in the gallery below.
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
Scenes from Alma
