Music from Bayano: An Afro-Panamanian Odyssey
Written by Darrel Alejandro Holnes
Presented by True Colors in association with Miss Mason Productions
Joe’s Pub | 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
April 14th
From the moment you are whisked into the magnificent venue that is the iconic Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, the atmosphere and crowd are ravishing and electrifying. We were all ready to hear the gospel of Music From Bayano: An Afro-Panamanian Odyssey. Something felt different—the air was radiant, and the audience was rambunctiously waiting for the show to begin. To our surprise, esteemed iconic New York actress Daphne Rubin-Vega, known for originating Mimi in the 1996 premiere of Broadway’s beloved musical Rent, made a guest appearance on stage to introduce the show. She too is of Panamanian descent, and you could sense her immense pride in introducing what we were about to embark on to the audience at large.
With immense dignity and humility, writer and director Darrel Alejandro Holnes ignited the stage with his fierce passion and his motivation to tell the story of the legendary Bayano as he introduced the cast of thirteen performers. He explained how Bayano was a former slave who managed to escape and continued to fight toward leading successful rebellions in the Americas. Following his introduction, we all bowed for an ancestral prayer, which made way for the music, magic, and poetry about to unfold.
As the performance begins, in the middle of the audience, when we least expect it, radiates the powerful voice of lead vocalist Nicole Vanessa Ortiz, in her flowing goddess-like kaftan, immersing us to the world with her magnetic voice. As a siren calls, she leads us around the room, making her way onto the stage to join her ensemble of renegades glorifying the resilience of Bayano. Actor and vocalist Garret Turner captivates the audience with powerful spoken poetry as he narrates the tale. In his sermon-like demeanor, we can sense the gravitational pull of Bayano and what his tenacity must have been like to free himself and continue onward to free others.
“In every fist that dares to rise—his fight ours; his flame is new. Ya ya o Bayano—come dance with me.” These are just a few of the everlasting lyrical flows of song and dance in honor and celebration of Bayano. The words inspire and pull you right in. The music is the heart of this rhapsody. The Afro-Panamanian tamborito, salsa, soca, and many other Afro- Latin and Caribbean beats illuminate the stage. It is a refreshing mix of live concert, ritual, and magic. The audience was also part of the movement, as we were invited to sing as part of the chorus and dance if we felt the desire to move. At some point, an audience member waved a large Panamanian flag and cheered on. The love, joy, and pride in the room truly left us all feeling united as one. All in all, the magic and spirit of humanity in its divine, eternal source for love and peace are at the very heart of Music From Bayano: An Afro-Panamanian Odyssey.
Review by Bianca Lopez.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on April 16th, 2025. All rights reserved