A powerful music-theatre work, Njinga merges sumptuous layers of contemporary and traditional song, dance and music to tell the real-life story of an extraordinary 17th century African regent.
Njinga ruled 17th century Ndongo (now Angola) as ‘king’ because tribal custom forbade her to rule as a woman. A skilled diplomat and fierce warrior, Njinga kept the Portuguese at bay from Ndongo for the 40 years of her rule. Flowing freely between time periods, Njinga traces the diaspora of Njinga’s people to Brazil and the United States, linking the ancient warrior’s life to that of a contemporary African-American woman who has lost touch with her heritage.
Oliveros’ score and use of electronics and spatialisation provides an environment for the traditional African music, heightening the drama.
5.1 surround mix by Pauline Oliveros and Brenda Hutchinson.
This live recording is derived from the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Next Wave Festival performances of 1993. (This historic document contains video and audio imperfections inherent in the original source materials.)
BONUS FEATURES:
ANCESTRAL VOICES (1992, 56:40), directed by Stephen Barnwell, follows the 1992 workshops for Njinga in Woodstock, N.Y. as well as background from a visit to Bahia, Brazil in 1990. Participants interviewed include Ione, Oliveros, performers Luisah Teish and Fannie Green, Carol Chappel, Valerie Maynard, Mestre João Grande (Grand Master of Capoeira) and Davi Vierira (Capoeira dancer).
PEAK MOMENTS (2009, 12:51), filmed and edited by Victoria Kereszi. Ione and Oliveros reflect on the 8-year development of Njinga leading to the Lisbon/Gulbenkian Foundation performance (1993), and the subsequent development of Njinga through today.
Written & Directed by: Ione
Original Music & Sound: Pauline Oliveros
Set & Costume Design: Valerie Maynard
Dance & Movement by: Carol Chappell, Nego Gato, Biza Sompa, Titos Sompa
Electro-acoustical Design: Loren Rush
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 and 16:9, colour
NTSC, Region 0
In English, Congolese, Portuguese
Total Time: 3 hrs 13 min
