Dorothée Munyaneza
umuko
Marseille, Kigali
«umuko» is a musical dance piece inspired by the vibrant red tree of the same name, which shapes Rwanda’s landscape. It celebrates a new generation of Rwandan artists reinterpreting a deeply rooted symbol of collectivity and healing. Past and future, tradition and renewal merge in a powerful, poetic evening that uses bodies, music and light to explore questions of cultural heritage, identity and encounter.
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«umuko» – the symbolic tree with bright red blossoms, which has been attributed healing powers since precolonial times, plays a central role in Rwandan mythology. This tree forms the foundation of Dorothée Munyaneza’s musical dance piece of the same name, bringing together five remarkable young artists from Rwanda. What does this tree symbolise today? What stories does it tell? Into what future do its branches reach?
The relationship between past and future takes centre stage in this rousing performance, unfolding against a backdrop of vibrant colours. In a poetic convergence of movement and sound, cultural tradition and contemporary expression, flamboyance and vulnerability, «umuko» creates a rhythmic space where the dancers’ bodies encounter each other and their ancestors. This artistic exploration of resistance and hope is as poignantly beautiful as it is forward-looking.
«umuko» is also a love letter to Dorothée Munyaneza’s biography, one that addresses questions of fluid identity and cultural heritage. More importantly, the multidisciplinary artist celebrates a new generation of young Rwandan creators who breathe new life into a deeply rooted symbol of collectivity with fresh interpretations.
Dates and Tickets
shows from today- Th 14.08. 20:00 - 21:10 CHF 45.–/25.– Quota of tickets available at the box office
- Fr 15.08. 20:00 - 21:10 CHF 45.–/25.– Quota of tickets available at the box office
- Sa 16.08. 19:30 - 20:40 CHF 45.–/25.– Quota of tickets available at the box office
Support programme
Audience Talk
Fri 15.8., after the show, after the performance with Dorothée Munyaneza
Moderation (English): Tine Milz
Dorothée Munyaneza as Guest at «Talks on Resistance»
Wed 20.8., 16 pm, Stammtisch
Workshop Kids in Dance with Dorothée Munyaneza
Sat 16.8., 1 pm, Studio Rote Fabrik
Artistic direction and cast
| Künstlerische Leitung | Dorothée Munyaneza |
|---|---|
| Zusammenarbeit & mit | Jean Patient Nkubana, Impakanizi, Cedric Mizero, Abdoul Mujyambere, Michael Makembe |
| Kostüme | Stéphanie Coudert |
| Musik | Impakanizi, Jean Patient Nkubana, Michael Makembe |
| Licht & Szenografie | Camille Duchemin |
| Soundmanagement | Camille Frachet oder Aude Besnard |
| Lichtmanagement | Camille Faye oder Anna Geneste |
| Foto | Patrick Berger |
Production
| Produktion | Virginie Dupray, assistiert von Nouria Tirou / Cie Kadidi |
|---|---|
| Koproduktion | Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, Chaillot Théâtre national de la danse, Maison de la danse Lyon – Pôle européen de création, PACT ZollVerein Essen, Julidans Amster- dam, deSingel Antwerp, Tanz im August – HAU Hebbel am Ufer Berlin funded by the Capital Cultural Fund, Kaai Theater Brussels, Oriente-Occidente Festival Rovereto |
| Unterstützung | Institut Français Rwanda, Goethe-Institut, Franco-German Fund for Culture, DRAC Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, French Ministry of Culture, Institut Français Paris |
| Premiere | Mai 2024, Chaillot, Théâtre National de la Danse |