WORK IN PROCESS: Spirit in the Vine by Jay Saint Flono
Spirit in the Vine: A Sankopera
May 29, 2025 | 7pm
Free & Open to the public
El Barrio's Artspace PS109 Gallery
215 East 99th St. New York, NY
Spirit in the Vine: A Sankopera takes place in the mythic realm of Zaradús, drawing direct inspiration from the African-American folktale High John and Devil's Daughter while expanding its lore. The story begins when a wise woman creates a baby of extraordinary magical ability for the childless rulers. Their joy, however, is darkened when the High Queen is suddenly murdered.
In the kingdom of Zaradús, there is but one sacred law: do not die. So begins the story of Singing-Daughter of the House of Concaïma, a twice-blessed being of miraculous power. The apple of her King-father's eye, Singing-Daughter, is kept locked in a tower and forced to renew the kingdom's immortality with her voice. Yet Singing-Daughter is plagued by strange visions that no one can interpret, until the arrival of a powerful Immortal called Prince Cotton alters the course of her fate and the wrath of a Goddess throws the court into chaos. As the High King's destiny hangs in the balance, Singing-Daughter embarks on a journey to free him and the rest of her kingdom from the curse of immortality.