Almas de Pueblo | Village of Souls
An Immersive Dance Show written by the choreographer & director Marco Palomino

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Synopsis
Village of Souls is an immersive dance show inspired by the place where I was born—Vega Bellaca, a small, impoverished village in eastern Cuba that does not appear on maps. There are no cars, paved streets, or markets, and the only water available comes from the rain. Yet, the people are filled with love, warmth, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to one another. This work is based on real events and real people from my village, including members of my own family and myself.

 

Through this piece, I aim to give voice to the millions of village souls whom no one talks about, no one is inspired by, and no one remembers. It is a tribute to their struggles, their beauty, and the spirit of their existence. This work is an attempt to connect present generations with their ancestors, fostering love, empathy, and understanding across time—past, present, and future.

 

When we fail to understand the history and roots of others, it becomes difficult to truly understand their emotions, their challenges, and even ourselves as a species. This is why I believe that reconnecting with our past helps us rediscover who we are. It fosters empathy—the ability to comprehend and share the feelings and perspectives of others, even when they differ from our own.

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The show invites audiences into a world where time moves differently, where memories and folklore come alive through movement, and where the characters embody the very essence of the village. It is a tribute to the place that shaped me as a human and as an artist, bringing its soul into the present through an immersive, visceral experience.

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The Experience

This immersive dance experience will take place in Los Angeles, California, with the intention of transporting guests into a different world. Our goal is to create a village inspired by my hometown Vega Bellaca—a place where guests step away from the outside world and enter an immersive realm that transcends conventional theater. As they move freely through this living, breathing village, they encounter an extraordinary ensemble of characters—each embodying a different facet of survival, resilience, and the eternal search for meaning.

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Throughout the two-hour experience, the village unfolds in an ever-evolving tapestry of movement and emotion. The audience is free to navigate the space, following a single narrative thread or immersing themselves in multiple storylines that run in parallel. No two journeys are the same, as each choice reveals new layers of the village’s secrets.

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There are moments where the entire village comes together in celebration—a grand feast and party where all the neighbors and villagers dance, laugh, and revel in the beauty of life. This communal moment invites the audience to join in, allowing them to feel like a part of the village's warmth and unity.

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Then, in a tender and emotionally charged moment, two villagers come together to marry—an event that carries the weight of tradition, love, and sacrifice. The audience will witness the union as the couple exchanges vows, not just as a ritual but as a deeply personal and cultural moment for the entire community.

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Later, a somber moment will unfold when the oldest person in the village passes away. The weight of this loss is felt through movement, as the community comes together in a powerful, mournful tribute to a life lived. The audience will witness the pain, but also the respect and reverence the villagers hold for those who have come before them, creating a moment of reflection on life, death, and legacy.

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Every soul in Village of Souls carries a story woven into their dance—a fusion of cultural memory, ritual, and personal history. Each character holds a gift—a lesson, an essence, an unspoken truth about what it means to be fully human. Dance is their language, unlocking hidden emotions and forging unspoken connections between performers and guests, making them feel like an integral part of the village.

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To further immerse the audience, we will incorporate different, unexpected smells throughout the experience. The air will carry the scent of mysterious plants, the earthy fragrance of wood burning in a distant stove, and the smoky, comforting smell of food being cooked over charcoal. These are not the usual scents, but rather the familiar aromas of a real village, transporting guests to a place where all their senses awaken. This multi-sensory environment will deepen the immersive experience, enveloping the guests in the sights, sounds, and smells that define the soul of the village.

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One of the ultimate goals of Village of Souls is to bring this immersive experience to major cities around the world. In cities full of technology, where modern life often disconnects us from our roots, this immersive show will offer a space where we can all reconnect with our origins. Village of Souls will serve as a reminder of where we all come from and the shared human experiences that bind us together—no matter where we are.

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This work speaks directly to the soul. Through movement, character interactions, and immersive storytelling, it invites the audience to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and sense of belonging. The village, though fictional, becomes a mirror of all our communities—the places that shape us, the people who leave their mark, and the stories that define who we are.

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This piece is my offering—to the village that raised me, to the people who shaped my journey, and to the audience who will step inside this world. It is a celebration of life in all its complexities and contradictions, a reminder that we are all connected—through our struggles, our triumphs, our love, our dreams, and our shared humanity.

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Characters

Each character embodies a unique movement style and carries an object that represents their essence.

• Solano (70s) – A respected village leader, tall and slender, moving with slow, controlled, turtle-like grace. He is an introverted man who values solitude, carrying a quiet strength. He does not easily express his thoughts, making his perspective on life somewhat of a mystery, yet his silent presence commands deep respect.
  Object: A walking stick.

• Mindalia (79) – A playful and talkative woman with a terrible memory. She complains about everything yet brings humor and warmth to those around her. She loves selling things.
  Object: Homemade lollipops.

• Jaqueline (25) – Sensual, confident, and charming. Though not particularly intellectual, she is fully aware of the power of her beauty and uses it to her advantage.
  Object: A peacock feather.

• Grover (25) – Son of Elva, brother of Leticia, uncle of Marco and Pepitín. A passionate artist deeply in love with Elena, his movements are fluid and expressive. He believes the meaning of life is found in music, family gatherings, and his love for Elena. Sometimes, he drinks too much.
  Object: A guitar.

• Elena (31) – Grover’s beloved, a tender dreamer and hard worker with expressive movement. A beautiful woman whose dance is filled with nostalgia and resilience, embodying the sacrifice of those who leave their homeland to seek a better future while holding onto their roots.
  Object: A broom.

• Abuelo Pepe (80) – A lover of books and storytelling. Though he doesn’t know many people, he seizes every chance to talk.
  Object: A book.

• Abuela Martha (80) – Mother of José Ramón, paternal grandmother of Marco and Pepitín. She is full of hidden depths and is unafraid of causing harm if necessary. She loves plants and takes great care of them.
  Object: A judge’s gavel.

• Melchort – The richest man in the village, driven by an intense ego and a belief in his own superiority. His movements are sharp and unpredictable.
  Object: A bundle of money.

• Pepitín (Teenager) – A rebellious and intelligent teenager, fiercely protective of his family, filled with big dreams. He is drawn to magic and mystery. His movements are intense, sharp, and energetic, embodying the spirit of a village rebel.
  Object: A deck of cards.

• José Ramón (34) – A hardworking man who finds purpose in labor. Preferring solitude, he is extremely organized and passionate about history and martyrs. His movements are strong, structured, and methodical, grounded in purpose.
  Object: Pliers and a hammer.

• Leticia (40) – The most educated person in the village, mother of Marco and Pepitín. She is deeply in love with her family and her husband, José Ramón. She follows him everywhere and dislikes solitude, thriving in the presence of others. Her movements blend intellect with passion, modern dance with expressive facial gestures.
  Object: Glasses without arms.

• Marco (8) – An 8-year-old boy, son of Leticia and José Ramón, brother of Pepitín, grandson of Elva, Martha, and Abuelo Pepe. He sees the world as magical, falling in love with the souls of his village, with dance, and with his dreams. His movements are pure, playful, and filled with wonder. Small for his age, sickly, and a stutterer, he is the one telling the stories of his village.
  Object: Cariocas (juggling props).

• Abuela Elva (98) – The heart of the village. The oldest woman, mother of ten, a lover of family gatherings, dancing, and singing. Her movements are expansive and protective, embodying kindness and the resilience of motherhood. She raised ten children, including Grover and Leticia, with bravery and love.
  Object: A box of candies for her grandchildren.

• Vertila (70) – A kind-hearted healer who uses witchcraft and spirituality to care for others. Devout and mysterious, she lives in a mystical house. She is known for healing through spells and herbal remedies. Her movements embody the spiritual traditions of the village, radiating wisdom and mystery. She is the village’s nurturing mother figure.
  Object: A branch of mint.

• Nene (37) – A large-built, expressive free spirit who embraced his femininity despite living in a deeply patriarchal society. He fearlessly dressed as a woman, enduring ridicule yet never hiding who he was. A 37-year-old gay man who finds life’s secret in authenticity and living in the moment, his dance is a bold, unapologetic display of freedom.
  Object: A handbag.

• Ana Bencozme (59) – The strict and disciplined village teacher. Smart, passionate, and unwavering in her authority, she carries the wisdom of generations. She believes knowledge and discipline are the key to life, which she enforces through her powerful presence and sharp movements. She loves yelling at people, drinking coffee, and smoking cigars.
  Object: A cigar.

 

 

Costume Design

The costumes will capture the essence of a Cuban village while allowing for expressive movement. Rooted in earthy tones and traditional garments, they will be infused with a touch of magic—elevating realism into a world of mystery and surrealism. Flowing fabrics and contemporary elements will merge with heritage-inspired designs to highlight each character’s individuality.

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Blending timeless Cuban influences with modern aesthetics, the costumes will enhance the dancers’ fluidity while visually grounding them in the village’s rural setting. Each design will reflect not only the character’s identity but also the core themes of the piece—family, love, conflict, tradition, and community.

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Through these carefully crafted designs, Village of Souls will transport audiences into an immersive world where movement, costume, and storytelling intertwine, making them feel like active participants in the village’s unfolding narrative.

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Lighting Design

Given the setting's limited access to power and the desire for a mystical, intimate atmosphere, the lighting design for Village of Souls will rely heavily on soft, warm, and ambient lighting. The goal is to evoke the essence of a rural Cuban village at night, where shadows dance and flicker alongside the quiet beauty of nature. The lighting will be subtle, understated, and designed to draw the audience into the world of the village—imbuing the space with a sense of mystery and nostalgia.

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1. Soft Ambient Lighting

To maintain the natural, earthy feel, we will focus on creating pools of warm light, with a light intensity that remains low throughout the performance. This will mimic the dim light cast by candles, oil lamps, and the fading glow of the evening sky. These lighting sources will evoke a sense of warmth, but not overwhelm the intimate ambiance.

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2. Candles and Candelabras

To evoke the rural Cuban environment, candles and candelabras will be the key lighting elements throughout the space. Placed strategically in different areas of the venue—on the floor, hanging from posts, or placed on tables—the flickering light from the candles will reflect off the dancers’ movements, casting long, dancing shadows and creating a mystical, ever-changing atmosphere. The use of real candles or battery-operated LED candles will ensure a safe yet authentic effect.

 

3. Overhead and Floor Lighting

Soft overhead lighting will cast a warm glow on the space but will be dim enough to allow the candles to remain the primary light sources. Floor lighting will highlight specific dance areas, allowing for focused moments without breaking the natural flow of the performance. This could be achieved using low-wattage spotlights or lanterns that subtly illuminate the floor or key moments of the choreography.

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4. Natural Moonlight Effect

In the absence of strong artificial lighting, a moonlight effect will be simulated with cool, soft blue light. This subtle contrast will highlight particular moments of solitude or contemplation and allow the audience to feel connected to the outdoors, with the moon acting as a guide through the night.

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5. Shadows and Silhouettes

The play between light and shadow will be a critical part of the immersive experience. Lighting angles will be carefully chosen to cast long shadows and create silhouettes, particularly for the characters who embody mystery or wisdom, like Solano or Vertila. These shadows will blur the line between the characters and their surroundings, emphasizing the ethereal quality of the piece.

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6. Lighting Transitions

As the performance progresses from the early evening into the night, the light will gradually dim to mimic the natural progression of time. Early scenes might have warmer, softer lighting that reflects the light from sunset, transitioning into cooler, more mysterious tones as the night deepens. This will create an immersive atmosphere that feels alive and constantly evolving.

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7. Interactive Lighting Elements

Because this is an immersive dance experience, some of the lighting will be interactive. For instance, certain characters may trigger lighting changes in the space when they enter or exit the stage, enhancing their emotional journey and making the audience feel as though they are walking through the village alongside them.

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Final Concept:

The lighting will create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere that envelops both the performers and the audience. The fusion of candlelight, soft ambient lighting, and cool moonlit tones will transport everyone to the mystical world of the village, where light and shadow intertwine, and every movement carries weight and meaning. The dim, intimate lighting will encourage deep connection, drawing the audience in and immersing them in the world of Village of Souls.

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Set Design 

The set design for Village of Souls will immerse the audience in the heart of a Cuban village, closely replicating the sights, sounds, and textures that reflect the authenticity of rural life in Cuba. The goal is to create a space that feels real and lived-in, inspired by the photos and videos collected from the actual village. This set will transport the audience to a world where time seems to slow down, evoking the warmth, simplicity, and magic of village life, while blending elements of folklore, mystery, and realism.

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1. Architecture and Structures

The set will feature the typical architectural elements of a rural Cuban village, with attention to detail in the textures and materials used. The design will include:

• Wooden Shacks and Small Homes: The homes will be rustic, with worn wooden walls and clay roofs. These structures will be designed to feel as though they’ve withstood the test of time, featuring visible signs of age, weathering, and natural wear.

• Porches and Verandas: Many houses in the village feature small porches or verandas with wooden beams, where the characters can gather and converse. These areas will be highlighted as communal spaces where the villagers interact.

• Stone and Dirt Pathways: The ground will be covered with dirt and gravel pathways, which can be walked upon by the dancers, evoking the unpaved roads common in many rural Cuban villages.

• Fences and Gates: Traditional Cuban fencing—usually made of wood or bamboo—will be used to section off different areas of the village, creating distinct spaces within the larger set.

 

2. Natural Elements

To further immerse the audience in the village atmosphere, the set will include:

• Plants and Vegetation: Real or artificial plants, such as tropical palms, banana trees, and lush vines, will decorate the space. These plants will be strategically placed to create a sense of natural growth and warmth, evoking the rich Cuban landscape.

• Hanging Fabrics: To evoke the vibrant, rustic feel of Cuban life, pieces of cloth or fabric will be hung from trees, roofs, or walls. These fabrics will sway gently in the air, creating movement and adding to the immersive experience. The colors will be inspired by Cuban textiles—earth tones, deep reds, and vibrant yellows.

• Barrels and Wooden Crates: Authentic items that are often found in a village setting, like barrels, wooden crates, and baskets, will be used as props. These items may also serve as functional elements on stage for the dancers to interact with.

 

3. Lighting Integration with Set Design

The set and lighting will work together to create a seamless experience. The warm, flickering candlelight from the lighting design will interact with the natural textures of the set, casting soft shadows on the wooden shacks, trees, and stone pathways. The overall atmosphere will feel lived-in, like a village that has come to life at dusk.

 

4. Scenic Details

Small, but significant details will bring authenticity to the set:

• Clothing Lines: A common sight in Cuban villages, clothes will be draped on simple clothing lines strung across various parts of the stage. These clothes will reflect the daily life of the villagers, adding to the realism.

• Weathered Tools and Everyday Objects: Tools, farming implements, and everyday objects like pots, pans, and lanterns will be scattered throughout the set, hinting at the hard work and rural living that the villagers endure.

• Traditional Cuban Art: The walls may feature elements of traditional Cuban art, such as folk paintings or murals that reflect the culture and history of the community.

 

5. Interactive Spaces

Since the show is immersive, sections of the set will be interactive, encouraging the audience to feel as though they are walking through the village. Audience members may find themselves walking along the dirt paths, passing by the villagers as they engage in everyday tasks. This interaction between the audience and the set will blur the lines between the performance and the reality of the Cuban village, allowing the audience to feel as though they are part of the unfolding narrative.

 

6. Dynamic Scene Changes

The set will evolve as the performance progresses, moving from the fading daylight into the full mystery of the night. The movement from natural daylight into candlelight will symbolize the passage of time and shifts in mood, bringing an added layer of dynamism to the piece.

In summary, the set for Village of Souls will be a lovingly crafted, immersive recreation of a rural Cuban village—rooted in authenticity, vibrant in life, and steeped in tradition. The careful integration of architecture, natural elements, and intricate details will provide an evocative backdrop to the dancers, making the village itself a living, breathing character in the performance.

 

Sound and Music

Music and sound will play a central role in shaping the atmosphere and emotional landscape of the village. The air will be filled with the smells that evoke everyday life—burning wood, the aroma of food cooking over charcoal, and the fragrance of local plants. These sensory elements will be reflected in the music, creating a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience. The soundscape will blend natural village sounds with rhythmic and ambient music, capturing the essence of the environment while also adding emotional depth.

The music will range from the natural rhythms of the village to more contemporary compositions, giving it both a rustic and vibrant quality. It will ebb and flow with the energy of the scenes, adapting to each moment's emotional tone. Whether it’s tension, fear, loss, desperation, or desolation, the music will intensify the emotional experience of the audience. In contrast, moments of love, joy, celebration, or serenity will be met with uplifting and harmonious melodies. The sound design will be meticulously crafted to accompany and enhance each key moment in the story, ensuring that the music not only reflects but elevates the themes of the performance, creating an unforgettable, emotionally resonant experience.

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Key Moments in the Show

• El Juego de Domino (The Domino Game): A more relaxed but no less significant moment where villagers gather to play dominoes. Through the game, they communicate, share stories, and bond. The rhythm of the game and the lighthearted atmosphere will contrast the heavier moments, offering a sense of normalcy and tradition.

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• El Robo (The Robbery): A dramatic and tense moment where a robbery occurs in the village. The suspense and fear will be palpable as characters react to the intrusion, creating a sense of unease and vulnerability. The energy in the room shifts as the consequences of the robbery unfold. 

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• The Death of the Elder: A poignant, reflective moment when the oldest member of the village passes away. The entire community comes together to mourn, celebrate the elder’s life, and acknowledge the passing of wisdom and tradition. The sorrow will be portrayed through delicate, expressive movement, allowing the audience to connect with the depth of loss and the honoring of the past. However, after the elder's death, their spirit lingers in the village. While the villagers cannot see her, the spirit is free to interact with the world, moving objects, whispering in the wind, and influencing the actions of the living. The spirit's presence will be subtly felt throughout the show, a constant reminder of the elder’s enduring influence and wisdom, even in death. 

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• Grover Drunk: A moment where Grover, intoxicated, stumbles through the village. His erratic movements will convey a sense of confusion and loss of control, providing a raw and vulnerable glimpse into his character. This moment might spark tension or humor, depending on the context within the show. 

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• The Village Party: A lively celebration where all the villagers gather to dance and enjoy each other’s company. The energy is high, and the dancers invite the audience to join in, creating an immersive sense of community. The music and movement will pull everyone into the shared experience of joy and unity.

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• The Fight: A heated confrontation between two characters, where emotions run high, and the physicality of the fight mirrors their internal struggles. This moment will capture the intensity of human conflict—anger, frustration, and a deep need for resolution.

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• The Sex Scene: A sensual, intimate moment between two characters, conveying a deep connection through physicality and emotion. The choreography will explore themes of desire, vulnerability, and the complexity of human intimacy, adding another layer to the human experience portrayed in the show.

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• Power Completely Off: A powerful moment when the village loses power, plunging everything into darkness. Despite the lack of electricity, life continues as usual—villagers still go about their tasks, conversations unfold, and the world keeps moving. The audience will experience the scene through sound, touch, and faint light sources like candles or lanterns. This moment emphasizes the resilience of the village, its reliance on tradition, and the strength of community, even in the absence of modern technology. The darkness serves as a metaphor for survival and the continuity of life, even in uncertain times.

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• The Marriage Ceremony: A beautiful and emotional moment when two villagers come together in a union of love. This moment will be expressed through an intimate and powerful dance that symbolizes commitment, trust, and the sacred bonds of love and partnership.

 

CHOREOGRAPHY, MOVEMENT, AND STORYTELLING

 

1. Choreography and Body Language

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Character-Driven Movement

Every movement is shaped by personality, emotions, and lived experiences. Rather than imposing choreography, movement will emerge organically, guided by each individual’s internal world.

• Some move with slow, fluid control, exuding confidence and allure. Their gestures linger, inviting and retreating in a deliberate rhythm.

• Others carry a grounded presence, commanding respect through stillness and economy of movement. Their weight is rooted, every step meaningful.

• Some express longing through soft, hesitant gestures—reaching, pausing, folding into themselves before expanding outward in search of something lost.

Each person’s history will be reflected in their movement, ensuring that no action is empty or decorative.

 

Fluid Transitions

Movement sequences will shift seamlessly between emotional states, allowing the story to unfold naturally.

• A glance could alter the energy of an entire scene.

• A touch could dissolve one interaction and initiate another.

• A door opening could signal a transformation elsewhere, setting off a ripple effect.

The space functions as a living organism, where every action triggers another.

Connection to the Story

The audience will not just see the story—they will feel it through movement:

• Tension before a conflict will manifest through sharp, reactive gestures, sudden freezes, and held breaths.

• Celebration will burst with energetic floorwork, communal rhythms, and interactive movement that invites participation.

• Moments of solitude will be marked by small, detailed gestures—a hand brushing fabric, a breath aligning with another, weight shifts carrying emotional weight.

 

2. Building the Movement

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Exploration and Discovery

Movement will not be taught—it will be uncovered. Each performer will explore their physicality through:

• Journaling: Writing about past experiences, desires, and unspoken thoughts.

• Improvisation: Moving through different emotional states, responding to unseen forces.

• Role-playing: Reacting to live prompts to discover how movement shifts in different situations.

By embodying their roles fully, movement will emerge as an authentic extension of identity.

Guidance in Movement

Choreography will balance structure with instinct, using a structured improvisation approach:

• Some sections will be fully choreographed to establish key themes and relationships.

• Other sections will allow interpretation in real time, making each performance unique.

• Specific movement rules will guide interactions. (Example: "One always moves with intention, never rushing.")

This ensures every gesture remains fresh, honest, and emotionally true.

Emotional Expression

Movement will shift with the emotional arc:

• Joy will bring lifted, expansive gestures, a lightness in the feet.

• Heartbreak will draw movement downward—heavier steps, breath guiding the weight.

• Loss will be marked by ritualistic stillness, synchronized breathing, and grounding gestures honoring absence.

Every shift in movement will reflect an internal transformation.

 

3. Interconnected Stories and Moments

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Seamless Storytelling

The piece will unfold like a chain reaction, where every action sparks another:

• A theft leads to a confrontation, shifting into a duet, which triggers another event elsewhere.

• A book placed on a table signals movement in another part of the space.

• A touch lingers too long, setting off a silent conflict that plays out across the room.

Every transition will serve the story, ensuring movement never feels random.

 

4. Interaction and Connection

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Duets, Solos, Groups, and Cues

A variety of movement dynamics will drive the storytelling:

• Duets: Intimate exchanges—love, conflict, mentorship, loss. Some dissolve into distance, others pull closer.

• Solos: Moments of deep internal realization, decisions made in stillness or motion.

• Groups: The collective spirit—mourning, celebration, gathering, or shared labor.

Each cue will trigger movement elsewhere:

• A door closing signals someone to begin.

• A dropped object cues another to enter.

• A repeated phrase in a different space echoes a past memory.

Dynamics in Relationships

Physical interactions will embody shifting dynamics:

• Power struggles: Spatial positioning will establish dominance or submission—one rising, another shrinking.

• Romantic tension: Play between resistance and surrender, proximity and distance.

• Camaraderie: Mirrored movements and shared rhythms signifying deep connection.

• Conflict: Disjointed, unpredictable movement breaking the established patterns.

No one exists in isolation—every presence is felt, even in absence.

 

Final Thought

This immersive experience will go beyond traditional performance—it will place the audience inside the story, letting them feel the pulse of the space. The choreography will follow a structure similar to a film or series, where the characters' individual arcs connect, intertwining and transitioning between different emotional moments or stories. Each character’s journey might flow seamlessly into the next, with their movements guiding the audience through the shift in energy and emotion. This allows for an evolving narrative where the transitions between scenes feel natural, and the audience stays engaged with the emotional evolution of both the characters and the overall storyline. Every movement, every silence, every interaction will serve a greater purpose, ensuring that the piece is not just witnessed but lived.