People Like Me Viewer's Guide: Program

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De Rompe y Raja

De Rompe y Raja was founded in 1995, as a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Afro-Peruvian traditions and culture from the coastal region of Peru, where the music and motifs of European, African and indigenous peoples intersect. The troupe has collaborated with Coro Hispano of San Francisco and the World Repertory Ensemble, and performed at numerous universities and festivals during the past five years, including appearances at the SF Ethnic Dance Festival in 1996, 1999, and 2000.

Master dancer "Lalo" Izquierdo performs in the show, along with Artistic Director Gabriela Shiroma. Señor Izquierdo and master guitarist Santiago "Coco" Linares, brought directly from Peru for People Like Me, join Bay Area musicians Pedro Rojales and Javier Nunton, creating a versatile and engaging musical and dance ensemble.

In People Like Me 2001, De Rompe y Raja presents "Amador," the story of one of the last guardian/masters of Afro-Peruvian traditions. A recreation of how oral traditions passed through generations in Peruvian black communities, this piece brings humor, fancy footwork, and lively music featuring guitar, singing, and the playing of the Peruvian cajón, or box drum.

First Appeared in People Like Me 2001