Choreography: Jolie Ngemi / Dramaturgy: Hannah Pfurtscheller / Assistant: Liliane Ngemi / Performers: Guelord Vulu, Prudence Tcheuméo Tchato, Donnel Bangusa Emwila, Isaac Mutashi Tshipema, Jolie Ngemi / Technical and Lighting Direction: Edouard Hugli, Alain Caron / Stage Manager: Zineb Rostom / Set Design: Gaëlle Chérix / Music: Rokia Bamba and Yekima De Bel Art / Costume: Jolie Ngemi / Tour Production / Distribution: Jérôme Pique, Zoé Siemen / Administration: Véronique Maréchal
Five dancers bring the energy of Congolese Sebene dances to the stage and transform it into a powerful, political danced manifesto – for liberation, against injustice, and for the joy of life.
“MBOK’ELENGI” means “pleasure” and “joy of life” in Lingala, Jolie Ngemi’s native language. Taken up by Congolese youth, it has become a popular (survival) slogan on the streets of Kinshasa. For her impressive group piece of the same title, “MBOK’ELENGI,” the choreographer and dancer translates this outlook on life into contemporary dance. On stage, five dancers reinterpret famous Congolese dances from the Sebene music genre – a guitar-driven style of Congolese pop music. Their movements are inspired by the struggle against injustices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a deep desire for liberation. With great power, they challenge hegemonic codes that deepen inequalities and further impoverish the poorest in favor of the richest. Before the audience’s eyes, a piece unfolds that is as political and defiant as it is hopeful.
Jolie Ngemi previously performed “NKISI” at HAU in 2024.
Team
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Dates
Current
Price: 17–29 €, reduced 9–20 €
Combi tickets (excluding the concert on 6.10.):
3 events for 30–50 €, reduced 20–40 €
6 events for 60–90 €, reduced 40–60 €
After the premiere on 12.9.: Break @WAU DJ-Set
Credits
Production: Cie AUC
Co-production: HAU Hebbel am Ufer, Arsenic – Center for Contemporary Performing Arts, STUK – Arts Center vzw, KVS, KAAP, De Singel
Support: Canton of Vaud, Loterie Romande, Artlink Foundation, Swiss Foundation for Performing Artists SIS, Corymbo Foundation, Corodis, Pro Helvetia — with support from the Hermès Corporate Foundation
Location
HAU2
Hallesches Ufer 34, 10963 BerlinThere are two marked parking spots in front of the building. Barrier-free restroom facilities are available. Four relaxed seats are available in the first row of HAU2.
