Like a queen in her kingdom, Tatiana Zinga Botao tells her story and that of her country of origin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a refreshing solo at the Center du Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui.
Written by Alexis Diamond and Marie Louise Bibish Mumbum with the help of the actress, this play entitled Nzinga in honor of a famous 17th century African ruler who ruled in this region is both deeply personal and educational.
Tatiana Zinga Botao was born in Africa but grew up in Belgium before settling in Quebec in 2011 in her mid-twenties. She declares her “voluntary exile” in our corner of the country.
She looks back with confidence on part of her childhood in Brussels and on the need to spread her wings. In Montreal she finally felt that she could fly best.
seriousness and humor
Albertine M. Itela’s production is rather sophisticated, but it shows ingenuity with the red background, which commemorates the blood of those who suffered during resource extraction in the Congo, and with a sheet on which images of maps of the region are projected.
Tatiana Zinga Botao addresses the audience directly and does not hesitate to interact with viewers by asking them numerous questions. With a good dose of self-irony she manages to create complicity in the audience.
Although it makes one think about the burden of the past, there are no dramatic moments in this proposal. The actress mainly plays the role of a narrator who offers a history lesson and a summary of her life with humor and seriousness.
So this production is intelligent entertainment from someone who just wants to be who he is.
Nzinga ★★★1/2
Director: Albertine M. Itela
With Tatiana Zinga Botao
► Nzinga will be performed at the Center du Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui from November 6th to 25th