“…there is Yemandja in every culture.” — Angélique Kidjo

Global superstar and four-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo stars in Yemandja, a new music theater work that is at once family drama and historical thriller, redolent of Greek tragedy and infused with themes of love, betrayal, honor, free will, and the horror and injustice of slavery. Named for a Yoruban deity, this MASS MoCA co-commission is a panoramic work of magical realism, a parable about gods and humans that illuminates through song what can happen when people are robbed of their culture.

Created in residency at MASS MoCA, Yemandja is written by Naïma Hebrail Kidjo, directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, with visual design by artist Kerry James Marshall, and features a cast of 10 performers plus four musicians.

Last year, Kidjo was honored as one of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women from around the world and named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2021.” Read the Times tribute by Alicia Keys here. 

YEMANDJA WORLD PREMIERE
MARCH 4 & 5, 2022

General Admission Performance
Friday, March 4, 8pm
GET TICKETS HERE – SOLD OUT
Tickets start at $20

MASS MoCA 2022 Benefit & Performance
Saturday, March 5, 4pm
GET TICKETS HERE
Tickets start at $250

View a matinee performance of Yemandja then join in a post-performance cocktail hour, followed by dinner with the cast in MASS MoCA’s Building 6: The Robert W. Wilson Building.

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (including booster), plus a negative test, is required to attend Saturday’s performance and benefit.

Yemandja
Conceived by Angélique Kidjo, Jean Hebrail & Naïma Hebrail Kidjo
Book & Lyrics by Naïma Hebrail Kidjo
Music by Angélique Kidjo & Jean Hebrail
Developed with and Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce
Production Designer Kerry James Marshall
Music Director John Samorian
Lighting Designer Kathy A. Perkins
Projections Designer Rasean Davonte Johnson
Costume Designer Mary Jane Marcasiano
Choreographer Beatrice Capote
Sound Designer Kumi Ishizawa
Dramaturg Iyvon E.
Sensitivity Coach Ann James
Casting Andrea Zee

Yemandja is co-commissioned by MASS MoCA, ArtsEmerson, The Broad Stage at Santa Monica College, Brown University Arts Institute, Cal Performances, Ruth and Stephen Hendel, Holland Festival, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Yale Schwarzman Center. Executive Producer: Xtina Parks. Produced by THE OFFICE performing arts + film.

Make a Plan

• All visitors age 12 and up must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at entry (accompanied by a photo ID for visitors over 18). As of February 16, the age requirement will change to 5 and older. Read our COVID-19 FAQ here.
• This performance will take place inside MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center. Masks are required for all indoor spaces, except while eating and drinking, regardless of vaccination status.
• No outside food or beverages will be allowed in the venue during the event. Small bites and drinks are available for purchase before the show from our museum cafe, Lickety Split.
• All events at MASS MoCA are accessible to all audiences. Please contact boxoffice@massmoca.org if you would like to inquire about accessibility needs and services.
• By purchasing a ticket to join MASS MoCA’s visitors, staff, and artists on the museum campus, you agree to follow a Courtesy Code, detailed here. Our full COVID FAQ is here.