In collaboration with the Tucson Botanical Gardens exhibit of Frida Kahlo: Art Garden, Life, and the final Frida Al Fresco Friday, ZUZI! Dance celebrates the life of Frida Kahlo Mexican artist, with choreography by ZUZI! cofounder, Nanette Robinson. This concert travels through Frida Kahlo’s richly diverse and controversial life with dance, visual arts, spoken word and live music.

Frida Kahlo: Blood and Gold
“Broken Column” Photo by Tala

Featured dancers and musicians:

Aarlin Murrieta Acuna, Sabrina Geoffrion, Bethanne Griffin, Karenne Koo, Sherry Mulholland, Aja Squires and Cynthia Wasco, and Nanette Robinson. The musical performers feature Pablo Peregrina, Sally Withers and Paul Docker.

Frida Kahlo de Rivera:

(July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954) Kahlo’s life began and ended in Mexico City, in her home known as the Blue House. At the age of six, Frida developed polio.  At the age of 18 she suffered a traumatic trolley car accident that changed the course of her life forever. Her work has been celebrated in Mexico as emblematic of national and indigenous tradition, and by feminists for its uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form.  Her work has also been described by André Breton, principal initiator of the surrealist movement, as “a ribbon around a bomb.”

“Frida’s legacy, besides the legacy for painters, I think for people in general… she has been this example of strength and her story is a strength-giving story. People… get from her this idea that you can just keep struggling and keep working and deal with adversity and keep on going and come up with something that makes life, a whole life, seem worthwhile.”
~Frida Kahlo biographer Hayden Herrera in a PBS interview with filmmaker Amy Stechler

About ZUZI!:

ZUZI! Dance is a non-profit arts service organization committed to catalyzing personal expression and healing for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Through movement-based art forms and somatic practices, ZUZI! Dance provides opportunities and resources for individuals to discover and confidently navigate their creative paths. We offer classes, workshops, and performances for our community to fully experience live art. ZUZI! is a part of the Historic YWCA, which is a center for the arts, education and the environment.

The evening will culminate with a raffle of fabulous gifts donated by local Southern Arizona businesses and artists, such as Yike’s Toy Store, Arts for All, and Lotus Massage. All proceeds go to the ZUZI! dancers & musicians honorariums.

Musicians Pablo Peregrina and Sally Withers Frida Kahlo: Blood and Gold at Tucson Botanical Gardens October 2016 Photo by Tala