Ogun & the People: An Ancient Story With Lessons for Today’s World

Philadelphia’s Kùlú Mèlé African Dance & Drum Ensemble is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the world premiere of its new spellbinding production, Ogun & the People: An Ancient Story With Lessons for Today’s World. Founded in 1969 by legendary drummer Baba Robert “Ibikunle” Crowder (1930-2012), the dynamic ensemble is the oldest continually performing African dance and drum ensemble in the nation.The full-length, multimedia production explores a sacred parable of the Yoruba deity Ogun — warrior, protector, dispenser of justice who brought civilization to the world — and the effect on the people when he leaves the village and retreats into the forest. The ensemble will present the Afro-Cuban interpretation of the story.