On Stage
The Waterfront Stage
Experience the captivating, spiritual world of Ọkan, a new dance piece created by choreographers Akeim Toussaint Buck and Ella Mesma. The word Ọkan embodies the concepts of ‘Oneness’, ‘Conscience’, and ‘Heart’ in Yoruba. Its meaning represents a limitless, open-minded approach to the ‘experience of life’. The choreographers’ Caribbean and Nigerian roots and their lived experiences of diasporic movement languages led them to explore a blend of Salsa and Wing Chun martial dances. This exploratory journey seamlessly transcends gender, human and emotional barriers, making it a catalyst for performative transformation. Ọkan is a breath of hope that leaves a lasting impact on all who witness the artistry, while also paying tribute to the history and legacy of those who came before us.