Presented by Dublin Dance Festival and the Abbey Theatre
Re:INCARNATION
20 - 21 May 2025
Directed & Choreographed by Qudus Onikeku
Booking Information
Dates: 20 May – 21 May
On the Abbey Stage
Times: 7:30pm
Tickets: €15 – €42
An ode to the richness of Nigerian culture, bursting with energy, colour and joy.
The ground-breaking QDance Company ignites the stage with Re:INCARNATION, a vibrant and electrifying spectacle that immerses audiences in Nigerian culture. Blending dance, music, fashion, and visual art, this multi-sensory experience pulses with raw energy and creativity.
Fascinated by how the Nigerian youth reclaims and renews elements from their heritage, choreographer Qudus Onikeku delves into Yoruba philosophy and its cyclical perspective on life through Ibi (birth), Iku (death), and Atunbi (re-birth). Set to a pulsating Afrobeats soundtrack infused with jazz, soul, funk, and traditional African rhythms, this exuberant performance channels the dynamic spirit of Lagos – its chaos and beauty.
Wearing vivid masks and brightly coloured costumes, ten dancers and two musicians embody a powerful and joyous narrative. Bold and compelling, Re:INCARNATION pays tribute to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while celebrating how a new generation reimagines the past to reveal new paths to future.
Co-production: Biennale de la danse – Lyon, Les Spectacles vivants – Centre Pompidou Les Halles de Schaerbeek – Bruxelles Théâtre Paul-Éluard – Bezons, Escales danse en Val-d’Oise Théâtre national de Bretagne.
Reviews
"A tremendous piece. The QDance Company’s 10 dancers and two musicians command the stage with Broadway-like showmanship."
Montreal Rampage
“Driven by a magnificent soundtrack [...] and two superb onstage musicians, it’s ambitious, engrossing and fresh.”
The Guardian
Interspaces: Lunchtime talk with Qudus Onikeku
Wednesday, 21 May from 12:30pm – 2pm. Booking: Click here
Credits
- Choreographer:
- Dancer: Addy Oyinkuro
- Dancer: Angela Okolo
- Dancer: Esther Essien
- Dancer: David Emmanuel
- Dancer: Ruth Efigo
- Dancer: Oba Ugochukwu
- Dancer: Bethel Wisdom
- Dancer: Faith Okoh
- Dancer: Grace Diepreye
- Dancer: Eze Gift
- Musician: Fabiyi Abiodun Samuel
- Musician: Simeon Lawrence
- Lighting Design: Michel Abdallah
- Costume Design: Mary Peter Ochei
- Stage Manager: Isaak Lartey
- Mask Maker: Nas Magnificent
- Mask Maker: Yusuf Aina Abogunde
- Production & Touring: Hajarat Alli (The QDanceCompany)
- Tour Manager: Victor Lawani
- Production: THE QDANCE COMPANY LAGOS
- Associate Production France: YK Projects
