As part of IU Arts and Humanities Council’s April First Thursday, Masanko Banda will perform on stage in the lawn of the Eskenazi Museum of Art. Performance sponsored by IU’s African Studies Program.

Masankho Banda is a multi-disciplinary performing artist, educator, spiritual healer and peace builder. An accomplished dancer, drummer and choreographer, he learned the fine arts of storytelling and dance from his Malawian elders. Using performing arts, Masankho (which means to choose) motivates and inspires people of all ages to work together to bring about peace, social justice and cultural understanding.

He has personal experience of living under a totalitarian government where his father was imprisoned in 1980 for his efforts to maintain democracy and economic stability in Malawi. In the seventh year of his father’s twelve-year detention, 25-year old Masankho was forced to leave Malawi. In 1997, Masankho started Ucandanc African Healing Arts to bring his passion for dance and storytelling to communities around the world. In 2001, Masankho was awarded the Unsung Hero of Compassion by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Open to the public. Part of our Lotus Blossoms Performance Program. Donations to Lotus Blossoms appreciated. View event on Facebook.