Kalakuta Republik

The explosive production of Serge Aimé Coulibaly from Burkina Faso draws inspiration from the music and ideas of Fela Kuti, the charismatic musician, political activist, and uncompromising artist from Nigeria who used his art as a political weapon. We got to know Coulibaly as an incredible and fascinating dancer in Alain Platel’s "Wolf" and "C(h)oeurs" by Les Ballets C de la B. Since then, he has founded his own dance company with which he wishes to bridge the gap between his country’s traditions and his experiences from living in Europe.

The political character of "Kalakuta Republik" is not superficial; it is the very crux of the work. The title refers to the name of Fela Kuti’s first residence at Lagos. In turn, this echoes the name of his first prison cell, where he was detained as a political prisoner. The sets allude to Fela Kuti’s legendary club "The Shrine", where he sang of hope and uprising.

Based on Kuti’s music, the brilliant soundtrack creates a distinct universe that supports Coulibaly’s narration. With this music as a backdrop, the seven dancers make history with their bodies, just as their electrified dance raises questions with regard to the artist’s position in contemporary world, particularly in Africa. It is a whirlwind of movement, poetry, political thinking, and worship for life and freedom; a solid African piece without the usual clichés. As Africa seeks to find its place in the globalized world, Serge Aimé Coulibaly and his generation aim to attract the limelight.