Below is an infograph of information about the deity Yemoja (Yemaya). There is a brief summary of her place with the pantheon and Yoruba religion, notes on her personality, life, and Catholic counterpart, a prayer to invoke Yemoja, elements associated with her, as well as different paths she has lived in her many reincarnations (the ones that I believe have some influence on the character in Red & Brown Water).
Below the infograph is an connection of each of the paths listed here as they relate to the world of the play as well as Beyonce's song, "Daddy Lessons," from her album Lemonade which draws on Yemoja--I haven't been able to find the music video, but you should be able to access it through Tidal (you can do a 10-day free trial).
Yemoja Yembo (Yemu)--since she controls the seas and governs all of humanity (and orishas) as a mother figure, she is often referred to as the female counterpart of the Orishan creator, Oduduwa. In Red and Brown Water, Mama Moja is, essentially this mother figure to all in the town. Everyone comes to her as she is this center that everyone is drawn to.
Yemoja Ibu Asesu--in this path, it is emphasized that Yemoja is a messenger between Olokun (her mother, and ruler of deep waters), meaning that Mama Moja has an ethereal connection to the waters. This path also emphasizes that she requires patience to be called upon, which is important to note especially when we first see Li'l 'Legba calling out impatiently for Mama Moja (p.12).
Yemoja Oro (& Ibunodo)--as Yemoja operates and controls the seas, she is often dealing with death, which is emphasized through this path as she works with the Egungun. Operating mysteriously is also an aspect of Mama Moja, who we see deferring her pain, pushing it aside as it's nothing, and speaking/acting in a mysterious way as to not worry her loved ones.
Yemoja Ibuagana--This path is particularly interesting as it touches on why Mama Moja might be ailing, "one leg is thinner than the other" speaks on the knee and leg pain we see Mama Moja dealing with on multiple occasions.
Yemoja Ibu Akinomi (& Ibunodo)--dwelling in the waters' waves brings to mind the fact that as Mama Moja is walking to the other world, she is walking into the water--returning to her deity's dwelling place.
Yemoja Ibuina--in this path, Yemoja is known as someone who doesn't shy away from disputes or wars, which we can start to see in the character of Mama Moja as she interacts with Shango.
Opmerkingen