CubaCaribe announced its 16th Annual Festival of Dance & Music featuring a world premiere work choreographed and directed by Susana Arenas Pedroso and performed by Arenas Dance Company, entitled She Who is Queen/Ada Ara, focusing on the complex role of women in society and especially the role of Cuban women.

Inspired by the tale in which Ochún, the youngest of the Yoruba deities and goddess of female sexuality and sensuality, takes away the crown of King Changó, god of male sexuality, after he dismisses her. Her conditions for returning his crown are his respect, admiration and equality. Ada Ara will explore through dance, music and spoken word the larger message of this tale: that the world cannot be without women, their work, wisdom and hearts. It will pay homage to women ancestors who have fought for Cuba on different fronts and to the female orishas (minor gods and spirits such as Yemayá, Oya, and Ochún) who offer rich visions of womanhood in Cuba..