The National Company of Singing and Dance (CNCD) has been performing nationwide in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the piece titled "Amatodos." A ballet that, as art, serves the purpose of educating and raising awareness about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It lasts for 65 minutes and was authored by Augusto Cuvilas, Maria Helena, and Pérola Jaime.
Between January 22nd and 25th, "Amatodos" embraced Gaza, the province with the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country, at about 20.9%, in partnership with the National Council for the Fight against HIV/AIDS, to promote reflection and behavioral change, contributing to the reduction of the virus's spread.
On the sidelines of the initiative, we reveal the meaning of the piece and the journey of choreographer Pérola Jaime, who is indeed one of the important figures in the history of dance in Mozambique and in CNCD itself.
"Amatodos" is a ballet that has toured nationally and internationally, sounding an alarm through art about the care and treatment regarding the AIDS virus. Between Mozambican cities and American ones, for example, the piece was seen by more than 500,000 people and was considered one of the best dance pieces that portrays the tragedy of AIDS with a clear objective and a high sense of education, by The New York Times.
Pérola Jaime, the choreographer of this piece, emphasizes that at the time the work was conceived (1998), it was a significant constraint to talk about sex, which made dialogue difficult. However, Pérola, a dreamer, broke all taboos and brought dialogue to every stage without stigmatization or discrimination.
On stage, the life of a successful man who irresponsibly indulges in the pleasures of the flesh is narrated, thus contracting the virus. Dealing with the vicissitudes, he ultimately finds the light of spirit and unity, discovering the steps towards a safe and healthy life.
The CNCD, where Pérola Jaime is the main choreographer, was founded in 1989 with the aim of researching, promoting, and preserving culture by bringing performative art to interact with all audiences.
Pérola Jaime makes performative art her main communication tool. Born in Gaza, Chibuto district, in the locality of Chipadja, with difficulties and shyness in speech, she chose to study Dance, where in 1980 she took her first step at the National School of Dance. What she lacked in language exceeded in tendons. With plenty of flexibility, she danced on various stages and finally joined CNCD in 1983, receiving national and international mentions, including the distinction of best worker by the Minister of Education and Culture at the time, Aires Ali. She was also elected Figure of the Year in 2004 by Tempo magazine and Radio Mozambique, and in 2011 she was elected Cultural Figure of the Year by Notícias newspaper and Radio Mozambique for the choreography of the African Games. She also received the Revelation Award and the Consecration Award, both awarded by FUNDAC.
In a career of prestige and accumulated experience, Pérola worked with eminent names in the field of dance, such as Lynda Davis, Arthur Hall, and Max Luna III, Jowolle Jo Zolar, Regy Mills, Makeda Thomas, all from the United States of America. She shared experiences in modern dance with Mateus Kuyate and Sidi Condé, professionals from Guinea Conakry. In traditional dance, among others, she stood out in her interactions with Anabela Roldana for classical ballet and with the Cubans Veitya, Luisa Olivares, and Alejandro Vasalo.
Text: Deizy Joana
