Veeva Banga – Art Across Borders: Tales of Migration

Join choreographer, educator, and dancer Veeva Banga with performer Francisco Andre in an evening of storytelling and performance exploring their stories of immigration to Maine. Co-presented by SPACE, the Center for Grieving Children and Our Place, with support from Coffee by Design. 

Veeva Banga was born in South Sudan and faced the harsh realities of war that forced her family to flee to Egypt in search of safety. This journey eventually led them to the U.S., where she discovered her passion for dance at a young age, beginning with the vibrant movements of traditional Zande Dance.

Veeva is a passionate advocate for dance and cultural expression. She co-founded the group Sudo Girls with fellow Sudanese girls in her community while in high school. Together, they held rallies and performed throughout Maine, bringing their vibrant culture to life. After graduating, Veeva transitioned her career to teaching African dance at New England high schools and universities, and was an artist-in-residence with Indigo Arts Alliance.

Francisco Andre is an artist based in Portland, Maine, who immigrated from South Africa, carrying with him the rich cultural heritage of his homeland. His journey began in Namibia, where he faced the struggles of displacement and the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. Arriving in America and navigating high school, Francisco encountered language barriers that made communication difficult, but his passion for art and dance became a universal language.

Host or Publisher SPACE