Frida

illustrated concert for family

Frida is an illustrated and poetic musical performance designed for young audiences and families, centered around the iconic figure of Frida Kahlo. Written and performed by the musicians of Collectif Koa, the project blends live music, storytelling, animated illustrations, and light design, inviting spectators to step into a vibrant, colorful, and deeply human universe.

Conceived as a multidisciplinary experience, Frida – A Musical & Illustrated Journey offers a sensitive and accessible approach to the life and work of the Mexican artist. The performance gently explores essential themes such as resilience, female empowerment, creativity in the face of disability, political engagement, and the richness of Mexican culture, while leaving space for each person’s imagination to roam freely.

The narration adopts a dreamlike and fantastical perspective: La Casa Azul, the birthplace and home of Frida Kahlo, becomes a character in its own right. Coming to life, it tells the joys and sorrows of Frida, her childhood dreams, her convalescence, her discovery of painting, her loves, her view of the world, and her commitment to justice. From her bedroom to the garden, the house transforms into a living mosaic where music and images accompany every step of this sensitive journey.

The four musicians of Collectif Koa create an original score inspired by Frida Kahlo’s paintings and her intense life. Ranging from songs to improvisation, the repertoire explores a wide range of musical styles to reflect the complexity and richness of her universe.

The illustrations by Olivier Bonhomme, specially created for the stage, are a central element of the performance. Animated and integrated with the music and narration, they offer a poetic and bold graphic reinterpretation of Frida Kahlo’s imagination, immersing the audience in a captivating visual experience.

Following in the footsteps of Nefertiti – A Musical & Illustrated Journey, the Collectif Koa’s first creation for young audiences presented in 2021, Frida continues this multidisciplinary artistic exploration by adding new narrative and visual dimensions. The project is part of an artistic and educational approach aimed at celebrating emblematic and timeless female figures and passing on their strength, creativity, and legacy to younger generations.

[Recommended for ages 7 and up]