The Malaga Ship: A Story of Maine and the Middle Passa

On Friday, October 11th, at 7 pm in its historic sanctuary, First Parish Church will present award-winning storyteller Antonio Rocha in a perfomance of his tour de force one-man show, The Malaga Ship: A Story of Maine and the Middle Passage.

The Malaga was a 183 ton brig built in 1832 by Brunswick shipowner Joseph Badger that later became involved in the illegal transatlantic trade of African captives to the Americas, especially to Brazil, Rocha’s home country. Using his entire body and voice, Rocha sings, narrates, and mimes his way through this poetically toned historical tale told mostly from the perspective of the ship.

This vivid and impactful exploration of the slave industry lasts 45 minutes. A 30-minute discussion session with the audience follows, offering an opportunity to ask questions about the Middle Passage and the performance.

Co-sponsored by the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission, the show will be open to the public free of charge. All are welcome.