Dance Ensemble from Nicaragua to Visit Plymouth

Compas de Nicaragua, a NH non-profit organization that supports health and education projects in Nicaragua, will be in Plymouth on Wednesday, October 6 at 7pm at the Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on 101 Fairgrounds Rd. Six members of Women in Action will perform eloquent, traditional dances to the beauty of marimba music. While educating audiences about Nicaragua’s culture and current conditions, their dances will be in a graceful mix of Spanish and indigenous styles. The mission of Compas is to “promote cultural exchange through delegations and sustainable community development work.” Michael Boudreau, a PSU graduate, and Ana Narvaez (both of Compas) have helped to facilitate this tour. WIA is a group of forty women living in one of the poorest settlements of Managua, Nicaragua. This specific ensemble includes Marlin Puchi, Gisselle Wilson, Asha Narcisso, Karen Gonzalez, Zulema Mendez, and Diana Gonzalez. Ana Narvaez, the field supervisor, has prepared the choreography, and Marlin Putchie will be the Master of Ceremony. Marlin will present each routine, describing to the audience the significance of the music, dance, and dress. She will also talk about Compas de Nicaragua and WIA’s work. She will tell the story of Women in Action: street vendors who sell what they can on Managua streets in order to provide for their families, and how they have been able to work together to create projects that have drastically improved health, nutrition, and education in their community. Nicaragua is a country with sections of people who live simply and often resort to acts of theft just to feed their families. Recently, the unemployment rate was seventy percent. It is typical in Managua for a family of five to live on no more than $200.00 a month. Although they struggle for survival, WIA has helped to improve living conditions and to remind the people of Managua of their roots. Treat yourself to a night of music and dance, a video showing, storytelling, and a gourd art exhibit created by WIA members. This is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful culture of Nicaragua and to support WIA’s work. For more information, contact 603-536-8908 or visit www.starrkingfellowship.org.