Director's Notes, Iris Rosa Santiago

This season’s performance developed from our continued inspiration by the African spiritual system of Ifá. It originated with the Yoruba people in Nigeria and was brought to the New World through the Atlantic Slave Trade. It is a spiritual system that deals with nature, energy, life, death, protection, truth, justice and other areas of life. It governs the way we see the world and how we react to its powers and vulnerability.

2025 marked a nine year which represents an ending and 2026 marks a one year which represents the beginning of something new. This season we selected to embody the energy of the Orisha Oyá who is the spirit of the wind. Her colors are burgundy, dark red and brown. She carries the last breath of the dying and creates the first breath of what is going to be birthed both physically and spiritually. She governs the winds and storms and reshapes our understanding of how we manage our humanity.

Oyá calls to go to war. She is a warrior and turns into a buffalo to show her strength and agility in the fight. In this narrative we represent how nature is propelled by the winds. Dancers are blown by gusts and blustery weather and land making sculptures of nature. They fall to the ground on an autumn day and then are resurrected by Oya’s energy and spirit.

This piece then depicts the transformation of nature into spirit and human forms. Oyá becomes the buffalo finally succumbed by the faceless who guard the last breath. We also illustrate the struggles of letting go of the past and preparing for the future labors that plague our governmental and social systems, especially with our young and immigrant communities. For Oyá has nine children who she cherishes and protects. Where can Oyá take you in your transformation?

First & Last Breath Program

Seda Negra/Black Silk Dance Company

Director: Iris Rosa Santiago

Assistant to the Director: Cherese Dillman

Dancers: Gabriella Bain, Khristian Batts, Camille Beck, Ava Benvenutti, Kelvin Burzon, Hannah Crane, Amber Daniel, Brittany Davis, Kandyce Donald, Kiara Nuňez Rodriquez, Susana Saldivar, Bianca Salgado, Briony Towler

Costume Design & Construction, Photography, Social Media & Graphic Design: Kelvin Burzon

Spoken Word: Iris Rosa Santiago

Music Editing & Digital Program: Hannah Crane

I. Spirit of the Wind

Oya, the Wind will bring, unveil and breakthrough to the truth

The wind will bring in the light

The wind will bring collective healing

You are the wind and storm that clears the field for new growth

Because you are the first breath.

Music: “Oya” by Ibeyi

Dancers: Camille Beck and Kelvin Burzon (Duet)

Music: “Decent to the Lowerworld” by David & Steve Gordon, “Blowing winds” by Sind Sounds

Dancers: Full Company

II. The Reaping

Oya, fearless and mighty huntress here in the forest

You know something is amiss as you traveled with the wind

You summon your side of a warrior with the strength of a buffalo

What lies ahead will mask the singing of the birds and the rustling sound in the trees

Fore, you guard the spirits who were brought to rest by the power of the wind.

Music: “Oya” by The Mark Lomax Quartet, “Howling Wind” by Digifects sound Effects Library, “Oya” by the Orisha Rhythm Project

Dancers: Full Company

First Group – Khristan Batts, Ava Benvenuti, Amber Daniel, Kiara Rodriguez, Bianca Salgado, Susana Saldivar, Briony Towler

Second Group – Gabriella Bain, Camille Beck, Ava Benvenuti, Kelvin Burzon, Hannah Crane, Brittany Davis, Kandyce Donald

III. Oyá: The Defender of Children

Oya, I know you would not leave your child behind due to danger or exile

When one has a deep longing for their homeland, but can’t go back because of social, political upheaval and turmoil it is you, Oya, who can help by preparing your children for battle.

For this child of mine will be protected against the evil people who are after it no matter where it resides.

It will stay here protected by the horns of the buffalo

It will stay here protected by the winds and storms that cover their souls

It will stay here protected by the spirit of their ancestors

The child will stay here after Oya is gone and has given her last breath

Music: “Mona Ki Ngi Xica” by Bonga

Translations: The phrase “Mona Ki Ngi Xica” is in Kimbundu, a Bantu language spoken in Angola. The core meaning describes a parent having to leave their child behind due to danger or exile. “Evil people are after him/her. There is a tide of misfortune or great spiritual and or physical distance and it mostly translates to “My child, I have to leave you” or “the child I leave behind”

Dancers: Full Company

IV. Collective spirits, Defending our Truth

How do we navigate from leaving old habits, weaknesses, harmful patterns, antiquated thinking and those things that have not served well for our spirits. How do we leave behind fear to search for what will serve us well?

Leaving a nine year and going into a one year. It’s like dying and being reborn.

Initiating new beginnings, embracing transitions, confronting fears, renewal of spirit

We can’t do that without disruptions so that we can understand the good that is yet to come

Music: “Oya” by Ibeyi, “Oya” by Olatunji

Dancers: Full Company