No Day-O

A A A Comments By Jef Otte Thursday, Feb 3 2011

Hailing from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, near Jamaica, calypso music is, in a way, the more folksy predecessor to its cousin, reggae — which is somewhat ironic, considering the cultural associations of the two forms in these United States. While reggae at least has an authentically Jamaican icon in Bob Marley, about the closest calypso gets is Harry Belafonte. At tonight’s performance by the Women of Calypso, do not expect a rendition of the “Banana Boat Song.”

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The Women come through Su Teatro @ the Denver Civic via an exchange program of sorts, courtesy of artist networks in the States and Latin America that introduce their performers to audiences abroad. At home in Trinidad, the women are a pretty big deal. “The main thing is that they are really authentic — but also interesting, because traditionally, it’s been men who have performed calypso,” says Tanya Mote, development director for Su Teatro. “This is kind of a feminist take on the genre.” It’s also, she notes, a full-fledged performance piece, complete with singing, dancing, acting and no small amount of political commentary.

See it tonight at Su Teatro, 721 Santa Fe Drive, at 7:30 p.m., with performances continuing through tomorrow and Saturday. For tickets, $17 to $20, or more information, call 303-296-0219 or visit www.suteatro.org.
Feb. 3-5, 7:30 p.m., 2011

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