Nehanda

A pulsing, magnetic, musical exploration of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

After wowing audiences at the ICA, boundary-pushing Zimbabwean-born artist nora chipaumire makes her ArtsEmerson debut with Nehanda, a genre-bending concert experience like no other.

Nehanda explores the legend of Nehanda, a powerful spirit venerated by the Shona people—native of Zimbabwe and central Mozambique—who inhabits only women. chipaumire once succinctly described Nehanda as “a Zimbabwean Joan of Arc.” Using actual historical details from the 1896 case (“Regina v NIANDA”) to inform the piece, this electric new work lights up all of the senses and inspires conversation, reflection, and action. With the heightened energy of a political rally and the immense power of a ritual, Nehanda weaves together a powerful portrait of anti-colonial resistance that cannot be missed.

“Seeing nora’s work at the ICA, I learned that my favorite way to experience it is to be completely immersed in it. She and her collaborators create holistic  environments that transport you deep in the story. As the dancers moved around me, I could feel the music in my body and began to understand the world of the performance beyond a literal understanding of the words being spoken or sung. Nehanda operates on so many levels and I truly believe that the best way to experience all of them is to be surrounded by the performance on stage.”

-ArtsEmerson Creative Producer, Kevin Becerra