About

ZUMBI: BATTLE OF PALMARES

In 2013 and 2015, we produced teaser versions of ZUMBI and the reception was tremendous—standing ovations, cheers and tears of joy. Both Americans and Brazilians were utterly moved by the story of Zumbi’s sacrifice and his fight for freedom. We knew then that ZUMBI was a story that needed to be shared with a greater audience.

We are launching a much bigger production of ZUMBI that will premiere in a prominent theater in Los Angeles, where it will introduce the richness and significance of Afro-Brazilian culture, comprised of both American and Brazilian dancers, actors, musicians, singers and capoeiristas. We will bring the inspiring legend of Zumbi, and the saga of Palmares, to the world for all to see.

ZUMBI: Battle of Palmares, is a two hour stage play and musical which depicts the legendary struggle between the fearless warrior, Zumbi, and King Ganga Zumba within the famous Quilombo of Palmares, an independent community and refuge, formed by runaway slaves. On one level, the play represents the historical conflict between two formidable opponents, which culminates in the assassination of the king and Zumbi's rise to power. The women loved him, men respected him, and his enemies feared him... but not everything goes according to plan. That's part of the story! On a deeper spiritual level—this work channels the myths of Brazilian Folklore and recounts the epic battle between the powerful gods, Xango and Ogun, over the beautiful Iansan. Throughout the story, the main characters are guided by these gods (like a well-known Greek tragedy), who then express themselves though traditional dances, music and artful dialogue. ZUMBI is a unique synthesis of modern storytelling combined with the profound richness of Afro-Brazilian history, layered with dramatic elements in love, comedy, action, betrayal, tragedy and triumph. ZUMBI is truly meant as a gift to its audience, in order to enlighten, inspire, excite and entertain!

Performance Location: Aratani Theater, Downtown Los Angeles

Discounted General Admission tickets are NOW AVAILABLE ($30) as one of our many rewards for making a pledge here on Kickstarter. It is for 2nd level seating, with an outstanding view of the entire main stage! Regular and Select ticket sales (no discount) will be available after this campaign, online and at the venue. Make your pledge today and take advantage of our early bird special pricing, ONLY through Kickstarter.

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ZUMBI

Zumbi, of Angolan descent, was born free in Palmares in 1655. He was captured by the Portuguese and given to a missionary when he was approximately six years old. Baptized Francisco, Zumbi was taught the sacraments, learned Portuguese and Latin, and helped with daily mass. Despite attempts to subjugate him, Zumbi escaped in 1670 and, at the age of 15, and returned to his birthplace of Palmares. Zumbi became known for his physical prowess and cunningness in battle and he was a respected military strategist by the time he was in his early twenties. Escaping death and defeat numerous times, he was believed to be immortal.

Weary of the longstanding conflict with Palmares, the Portuguese approached its leader, Ganga Zumba, with an olive branch. They offered freedom for all runaway slaves if Palmares would submit to Portuguese authority, a proposal which Ganga Zumba favored. But Zumbi was distrustful of the Portuguese. He refused to accept freedom for the people of Palmares while other Africans remained enslaved. He rejected the offering and challenged Ganga Zumba's leadership. Vowing to continue the resistance to Portuguese oppression, Zumbi became the new leader of Palmares. He heroically fought for freedom and defied the Portuguese for many years, until one day he was betrayed by one of his own, which led to his capture and death on November 20, 1695.

November 20th is celebrated, chiefly in Brazil, as a day of Afro-Brazilian consciousness. The day has special meaning for those Brazilians of African descent who honor Zumbi as a hero, freedom fighter, and symbol of freedom. Zumbi has become a hero of the 20th-century Afro-Brazilian political movement, as well as a national hero in Brazil and beyond.

FIGHT OR DANCE: THE BIRTH OF CAPOEIRA

Capoeria is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music, and is sometimes referred to as a game. It was developed in Brazil mainly by West African descendants with native Brazilian influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known for quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for a wide variety of kicks, spins, and highly mobile techniques.

In the harsh slave environment of harvesting sugar cane for their Portuguese oppressors, capoeira was born as a simple hope of survival. It was a tool with which an escaped slave, completely unequipped, could survive in the hostile, unknown land and face the hunt of the capitães-do-mato, the armed and mounted colonial agents who were charged with finding and capturing escapees.

The biggest quilombo, the Quilombo dos Palmares, consisted of many villages which lasted more than a century, resisting at least 24 small attacks and 18 colonial invasions. Portuguese soldiers sometimes said that it took more than one dragoon to capture a quilombo warrior, since they would defend themselves with a strangely moving fighting technique. The provincial governor declared "it is harder to defeat a quilombo than the Dutch invaders.

ZUMBI will showcase this fantastic Brazilian tradition and martial art, that has spread across the world. Our multi-talented actors are also professional capoeiristas, so audiences are in for an action-packed performance, unlike anything they've ever seen on stage!

WE APPRECIATE BIG SUPPORT FROM EVERYONE!

THE SOUNDS & MUSIC OF BRAZIL

The music of Brazil encompasses various regional music styles influenced by African, European and Amerindian forms, which will be on display in ZUMBI. The native peoples of the Brazilian rainforest play instruments including whistles, flutes, horns, drums and rattles. Much of the area's folk music imitates the sounds of the Amazon Rainforest. After 500 years of history, Brazilian music developed some unique and original styles such as samba, bossa nova, MPB, sertanejo, pagode, tropicalia, choro, maracatu, embolada (coco de repente), mangue bit, funk carioca, and Brazilian versions of foreign musical genres, such as Brazilian rock and rap.

The Afro-Brazilian sport of capoeira is never played without its own music, which is usually considered to be a call-and-response type of folk music. The main instruments of capoeira music include the berimbau, the atabaque and the pandeiro. Capoeira songs may be improvised on the spot, or they may be popular songs written by older, and ancient mestres (teachers), and often include accounts of the history of capoeira, or the doings of great mestres. We encourage our audiences to participate in our songs, which makes for a magical experience in music, sounds and togetherness.

The ZUMBI: Soundtrack, features original music and songs performed by professional Brazilian artists and musicians. They have put their heart and souls into giving you the very best in authentic Brazilian music, just for this ZUMBI project. Order your soundtrack today by making a pledge, right here on Kickstarter!

BRINGING GREAT TALENT TO THE BIG STAGE

A native of Salvador Bahia, Mestre Amen Santo is a recognized Mestre de Capoeira, master drummer, and is the Artistic Director of the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center, which he founded in 1989. The cultural center serves as the home base for a professional touring ensemble, the Ballet Folclòrico do Brasil, and the internationally renowned and longest-standing capoeira school in Southern California, Capoeira Batuque. Santo helped bring capoeira to a worldwide audience through his performance and choreography in feature films including “Only the Strong” and “Kickboxer IV.” He has used dance and music as a platform for promoting cultural interchange, Latin American diversity, and the African diaspora. Santo has also been honored in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and as a pioneer by the World Sokeship Council. Brasil Brasil Cultural Center is dedicated to arts education. One of our projects that started 10 years ago was a play about the legendary Afro-Brazilian folk-hero Zumbi and our desire to bring his story to life on the big stage.

THE FUTURE OF PERFORMING ARTS

Our kids are truly amazing! They have studied, practiced and worked really hard to be a part of ZUMBI. They look forward to showcasing their efforts and talents in dance, music and acting, for all to see. We know that an audience will be wowed by how gifted, mature and lively these kids are once they hit the stage! They will make you laugh, they will make you cry. You will feel the presence of Palmares through these children.

OUR AMAZING VENUE: THE ARATANI THEATRE

A partnership between Bose® and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center has made it possible for the Aratani Theatre to be the first performing arts venue in Southern California to house a newly custom-designed Bose® RoomMatch® sound system. A total audio refit was completed in November 2014 with Bose’s innovative technologies, bringing the theatre’s acoustic performance to new levels of excellence.

Thanks to the partnership and generous support of Bose®, the Aratani Theatre now provides the finest listening experience for its audiences and is a premier venue for artists who value quality sound in a comfortable and intimate environment.

Discounted General Admission tickets are NOW AVAILABLE ($30) as one of our many rewards for making a pledge here on Kickstarter. It is for 2nd level seating, with an outstanding view of the entire main stage! Regular and Select ticket sales (no discount) will be available after this campaign, online and at the venue. Make your pledge today and take advantage of our early bird special pricing, ONLY through Kickstarter.

PLEASE SUPPORT & DONATE TODAY!

HELP US BRING THIS ZUMBI STORY TO LIFE!

AXÉ!