Catching the spirit
Sunday afternoon’s Merrill Auditorium performance by Spirit of Uganda was a joyous celebration of life, an affirmation of community both regionally and internationally, and, in these deeply troubled times, an invigorating reminder of the noblest of human ideals and of the universal bonds that tie us together in a common humanity.
Themes of family and community, longing and loss, nature and nurture, love, celebration, empowerment, spirituality, and self– and cultural identity were woven eloquently throughout the ninety-minute performance by the young dancers, singers, and drummers. Artistic Director Peter Kasule’s witty yet insightful narration between pieces helped connect us viscerally with the sounds, sights, and cultures of east Africa, captured heartwarmingly and with such extraordinary vigor by the young men and women of Spirit of Uganda. The matinée performance – and the community supper and reception for the artists that followed with representatives of Maine’s African immigrant, faith, and arts communities – was a very personal reminder for me of why we do what we do at PCA Great Performances, contributing in however modest a way to build community and celebrate the loftiest aspects of the human condition through the power of the performing arts.
We invite you to share your reactions to the show using the comments feature below. And enjoy some of these pictures from last night’s community supper, held at the East End Elementary School.
[Editor’s note: also see 11½-year-old Maria Moreau’s impressions of the evening.]
David Katende says:
It was wonderful to see my people here in Maine, plus joy of the kids while dancing. it brought many memories. It was a blessing to see all us together singing and dancing, i must say their is plenty of good dancers in maine. The food was great, i carried some for home to enjoy it for the next few days, thanks to all and God bless the hands that prepared it. I was so happy to see the young stars like Maria Moreau who have such an interest in learning about other cultures. Thank you all and pca, for the great perfomance.
Patty Morris says:
It has taken me most of my 50 years to get it: the seeds of despair in one hand may, in the other, blossom into joy! That is what I put in the liner notes of my cd “Dukkha’s Nemesis”, an attempt to musically capture the concept and celebrate it on a cd involving my children and their musician friends. 50 years! But at Merrill Auditorium on March 30, I got to witness how these kids from Uganda are willing to fling open their hands to give the seeds of despair immediate sunshine. It is impossible to feel anything other than joy when you see them smile and dance, hear them sing, and participate in their celebration. The experience is as poignant as it is wildly exhilarating when you learn of the unimaginable sorrows that are their seeds of despair - and enlightenment. Wonderful! Thank-you all for sharing so beautifully!
Sandra J Boynton says:
I haven’t stopped talking about the Uganda performance!! It was amazing and truely one of the best concerts I have been to. I loved it and would love to see it all over again! Fantastic - I presently am playing the CD at the UPS Store in Falmouth. Awesome grou[p. Awesome music!
Dora Anne Mills says:
I too spent time in Uganda years ago, and the concert brought back so many vivid memories. I am so grateful to be able to share a bit of those experiences with my husband and children.
Dick and Shirley Babb says:
Our seventeen year old grandson attended Spirit of Uganda with us. He was fully engaged throughout the performance and made a number of “wow” comments throughout the afternoon. Thank you for offering a cultural experience for those of us Mainers who seldom have this opportunity.
Victoria says:
It was a wonderful performance of the highest quality. And the audience was diverse in age, race and neighborhoods. This is what Merrill was intended for...to share the arts together. Thank you for sparking the energy that came out of this event.
Gretchen Johnson says:
Not only were the young people excellent ambassadors for Uganda, they were also impressively professional performers whose enthusiasm for and pride in their culture made for a truly magical afternoon.
bob gardner says:
A joyful reminder that we are all one and when we see and feel the spirit of our comrades from faraway we know how good it is to reach out to them as they reach out to us.
Indeed PCA provides a far greater service than entertainment alone with both breathtaking and soul moving performances such as The Spirit of Uganda. Thanks to all of you who make it happen. I am very proud to feel even a ‘bit’ part for all PCA brings to our Region. May it never be at risk!
Barri Lynn Moreau says:
The Ugandan flag has three main colors: black for its people, yellow for the sun, and red for the color of the blood that flows within all of us.
The heart of Africa beat loud and strong yesterday in Merrill Auditorium with the irrepressible energy and passion shown by the Spirit of Uganda. The rhythms, the dance, the songs all melded into a force that clearly affected everyone in the hall from the youngest to the oldest patrons. We felt the spirit, the life force, the joy pulsing through our bodies, urging us to celebrate life.
What a force. What exceptional young ambassadors, surely the pride of Uganda. Thank you for reminding us how the human spirit survives the most unimaginable horrors, but still perseveres and triumphs with grace and dignity.
William Baker says:
Having spent a lot of time in Gulu working with refugees in IDP camps and seeing the music and dance in the field - this was a coming home
Well done!!