Uma (H)Ati: A Musical Journey Through Trauma and Healing

Uma (H)Ati is a musical solo performance by Sherida Pinas – a therapist, mental health educator, and performer – in collaboration with director Annemarie de Gee. The show follows a powerful and vulnerable journey through trauma, processing, and healing, seen from the perspective of someone deeply engaged with these themes. When Sherida suddenly realizes she must give a presentation on the brain – completely unprepared – chaos ensues. As she tries to establish order in her thoughts and daily life, she unwittingly gets pulled into her mind. There, she relives moments from her childhood, a marriage filled with betrayal and violence, and pain that has been buried for years. Uma (H)Ati (woman's heart) brings raw themes such as domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and infidelity to the stage with honesty and humanity. It showcases the impact of trauma on the brain and how faith, music, and breaking the silence pave the way for resilience and healing. Sherida accompanies herself live on piano, alternating heavy, emotional scenes with moments of humor and hope. The evening begins with a presentation by city writer Terence de Lange and concludes with a panel discussion featuring Steven Brunswijk and Mandele Wee Wee on trauma and recovery. Uma (H)Ati is a call for awareness, compassion, and breaking taboos – a tribute to women who learn to stand again with an open heart despite their pain.