A celebration of survival

The Artistic Director of GALA Hispanic Theatre, Hugh Medrano, was inspired in 1968 by the work of the Peruvian folklorist and choreographer Victoria Santa Cruz, who was determined to make known the special character and history of Afro-Peruvian music and culture. Now Medrano has created a production that celebrates that music and culture. GALA’s final presentation of its 2010-11 season, “Canto al Per? Negro,” traces Afro Peruvian music back to its roots, from its beginnings in Africa to its emigration to South America, where slaves were imported to cut sugar cane, and eventually to the United States.