Kalakuta Republik

Serge Aimé Coulibaly

— ,Barbican Theatre
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Dizzying movement, revolutionary ideas and the sounds of jazz-infused Afrobeat recreate the Kalakuta Republik, Fela Kuti’s communal compound in Lagos.

In the first half of this intoxicating dance piece, all is monochrome. Dancers pulsate, whirl, plunge and vibrate, their relentless movement exploding with virtuoso energy. Projections depicting scenes of conflict serve as a backdrop for the performers, their perpetual march an urgent metaphor for the desire to survive. 

Bursts of colour take us into the second half, a place reminiscent of Kuti’s Shrine nightclub, where disputes were confronted just as hope blossomed from solidarity and social consciousness. While provocative messages emblaze the stage, decadent dance depicts the struggles of the individual, fighting for freedom. 

This entrancing show by Burkina Faso-born Serge Aimé Coulibaly speaks of modern-day Africa and embodies the spirit of Nigeria’s Fela Kuti as a radical activist, musical legend and political rebel.

Tagged with: Contemporary music Theatre & dance

Duration: 1 hour 25 mins, including an interval
Age guidance: 12+
 

Presented by the Barbican

Produced by Faso Danse Théâtre and Halles de Schaerbeek

Co-produced by Maison de la Danse – Lyon, Torinodanza – Turin, Le Manège Maubeuge, Le Tarmac – Paris, Les Théâtres de la ville de Luxembourg, Ankata – Bobo Dioulasso, Les Récréâtrales de Ouagadougou, Festival Africologne – Cologne and De Grote Post - Ostend

Touring by Frans Brood Productions
 

Creative team

Serge Aimé Coulibaly Concept, Creation and Choreography
Adonis Nebié, Marion Alzieu, Sayouba Sigué, Ahmed Soura/Jean-Robert Koudogbo Kiki, Ida Faho, Antonia Naouele Co-Creation
Yvan Talbot Music
Eve Martin Video
Sara Vanderieck Dramaturgy
Catherine Cosme Set and Costumes
Hermann Coulibaly Lighting
Sam Serruys Technical Direction

Dancers

Adonis Nebié
Marion Alzieu
Sayouba Sigué
Serge Aimé Coulibaly
Ahmed Soura / Jean-Robert Koudogbo Kiki
Ida Faho
Antonia Naouele

Ticket prices

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Reviews

‘Impeccable … powerful … the event of the summer‘
Telerama (France)
‘A fire lit for freedom … in the footsteps of Fela‘
Le Monde

Discover

dancers on stage taking shirt off

Watch: Kalakuta Republik

A teaser of an intoxicating dance piece by Serge Aimé Coulibaly.

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