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In 1462, the first African slaves were settled on the island of Cape Verde brought by the Portuguese colons. It is supposed that they were the first inhabitants of the archipelagos. They carried with them the rhythms and the seeds of what became the BATUQUE: a music form, performed mostly by women, both singers and dancers. The singers, repeat very strong lyrics, sitting in a circle and beating the rhythms with their hands on a piece of cloth between their legs. While one woman performs a very sensual dance with her hips in the middle of the circle. During the colonial era, it has been strongly forbidden but it remained alive in clandestinity. The group Raiz de Tambarina, one of the oldest groups of Batuque on Santiago island, is composed of ordinary people, saleswomen, fish merchants, drivers... Through their every day life and performances we discover Cape Verde today and their passion for the Batuque.
In a village, a young couple falls in love, but their relationship faces challenges from disapproving family members and a rival who wants to come between them. As they navigate misunderstandings, and unexpected obstacles, they struggle to stay together and prove the strength of their love.
Liza Monetochka shows archives from a videotape dug out from under the bed with children's chronicles and footage of her b-day — 21 years old on the stage after all!
Glamorously eccentric and enigmatic Theremin master Armen Ra recounts his dynamic journey in this life-spanning documentary that mixes rare concert performances, candid interviews, and archive material with the magical power of music that can alchemize ancient sorrow into timeless beauty.
Haydn's oratario "The Creation", by La Fura dels Baus company. Recorded at the Seine Musicale.
Live performance from the Metropolitan Opera, 27 February, 1996.