Review: “Blend” – Voices International Theatre Festival
A Phenomenal Symphony of Global Cultures at the Jersey City Theater Center
https://jctcenter.org/
There are moments in the theater when the stage ceases to be just a performance space and instead becomes a vibrational foundation for a better world. Attending Voices International at the Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) was precisely one of those transcendent experiences. Guided by this year’s profound festival ethos of collapsing “Borders,” the performance delivered an unforgettable showcase of cross-cultural unity, leaving the audience in awe.
The evening was a masterclass in collaboration, defined by an incredible ensemble of multinational musicians and vocalists playing together in flawless, breathtaking harmony. To see traditions from completely different corners of the globe merge so effortlessly was magical.
The Surati Vocalists:
Surati Foundation led by the visionary Rimli Roy, their powerful, soaring classical Indian vocals grounded the evening in deep spiritual resonance and intricate melodic precision. https://www.suratifpa.org/
Riau Rhythm:
(Violano, Rino, Hendri, Refi, Viogy)
The mesmerizing Indonesian instrumentalists brought a driving, hypnotic energy to the stage, weaving traditional regional rhythms into the collective soundscape. Violano paid homage to Ukraine and Olga Levina (Ukrainian) in a simple declaration, “Ukraine is mother,”—emblematic of the tireless work of Olga Levina to uplift artists across the world.
https://youtu.be/MOYQP-nUdbQ?si=O25_DWcm1reM8pQH
SlavoRican Assembly:
(Aleksandra Denda, Jan Kus, Gabriel Vicéns, Ahmed Alom Vega, Dan Martínez, Victor Pablo, Jean John)
Slovenian-Latin-Caribbean Jazz, Injecting a brilliant, soulful spontaneity, these jazz elements bridged continents, adding sophisticated textures and a vibrant, syncopated heartbeat to the ensemble.
https://www.instagram.com/slavorican/
What made this performance truly phenomenal wasn’t just the individual brilliance of the artists—though talent was abundant—but the seamless way their distinct cultural expressions intertwined by listening to the universal language of sound, trading rhythms, and harmonizing.
It was a beautiful, living reminder of a simple truth: when we blend into one another in the greatest possible way, great things happen. JCTC has once again proven that the arts are our most powerful vehicle for global conversation, turning our differences into a single, breathtaking masterpiece. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an anthem for what is possible when humanity chooses to create together.
The Voices International is ongoing through the end of June. Consider attending; the programming just might provide an uplifting, unique, and memorable experience. Visit https://jctcenter.org/ to buy tickets. Discounts may available, please contact the theatre.
— Rowena Ori