One of the most unique things I’ve ever seen.

São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago on the Equator, boasts one of the most curious performances of popular imagination. Tchiloli is the fruit of cultural (and at times violent) encounters and creolisation. It is a delightful ethnodrama/ethnotheatre that unites music, movements and 16th century texts in one ceremony.

Solemn Gestures on the Sandy Ground. Tchiloli in São Tomé and Príncipe

On one of the visits we were lucky to be able to watch, and photograph, a Tchiloli performance.

Today something movieStar did reminded me of that day.

I miss the islands, and the people who live there, and all the things that make it such a special place.

🇸🇹 🎭