Song for Almeyda and Song for Anninho

By the acclaimed writer of Palmares and Corregidora.

When the Portuguese attack Palmares, Brazil’s last fugitive slave enclave, Almeyda and her husband are separated as they flee from the destruction. Amid the flight and re-enslavement of the inhabitants, their narrative emerges.

Two powerful, epic poems give voice to the lovers: Almeyda’s passionate lament for Anninho, whom she believes has been killed, is combined with his response as he searches for her. Their story is one of longing - for each other, for freedom - and for revolution.

‘I want to stay here, Anninho.’

‘There won’t be any way

you can stay here.

When they catch us,

they’ll take you back.’

‘The men they kill,

the women they take back.