SAMBA Set for COCA Today

Diádié Bathily and Afriky Lolo present SAMBA today, February 8, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm at COCA (Center of Creative Arts) in St. Louis. Tickets are $14-18 (PURCHASE TICKETS NOW).

Samba is a young African boy who struggles to respect his ancestral history, but soon learns how important the past can be to the future. When a monster attacks his village, Samba ignores the warnings of adults and views it as an adventure! Will he learn to heed his elders' advice in time, or will he be eaten up by the river monster?

Samba's story is brought to life by the extraordinary Diádié Bathily and his troupe of talented dancers, Afriky Lolo. This unique theatre experience draws on traditional West African themes and physical storytelling, incorporating lively dancing, drumming and ornate puppets, headdresses and masks. Samba is recommended for ages 5 and up.

"I'm thrilled to bring Afriky Lolo's trademark high-energy dancing and drumming to COCA in a new, original production. Having worked for many years with Afriky Lolo Artistic Director Diádié Bathily, I never cease to be in awe of his artistry and vision. This production, which modernizes a folktale from Mali through the combined use of digital video and traditional African dance, promises to be a highlight," said Shawna Flanigan, Director of Arts Education and COCA Presents Curator.

For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.