The spirit of Fela Kuti is ever-present in this intoxicating dance piece by Burkina Faso-born Serge Aimé Coulibaly, which speaks of modern-day Africa and the artist as freedom-loving figurehead.

Dates and Times: Thu 30 May - Sat 01 June, 19:45.

In the first half of the choreographer’s creation, all is monochrome. Dancers pulsate, whirl, plunge and vibrate, their relentless movement exploding with virtuoso energy. Projections depicting scenes of conflict serve as a backdrop for the performers, their perpetual march an urgent metaphor for the desire to keep living.

Bursts of colour take us into the second half, a place reminiscent of Kuti’s Shrine nightclub, where discord was confronted just as hope blossomed from solidarity and social consciousness. While provocative messages emblaze the stage, decadent dance depicts the struggles of an individual, the score echoing jazz-infused Afrobeat.

In honouring activist, musical legend and political maverick, Nigeria’s Fela Kuti, Kalakuta Republik also reflects on the role of anti-establishment artists today.

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COMPETITION: Win 1x pair of tickets to attend Serge Aimé Coulibaly: Kalakuta Republik at the Barbican at 19:45 on Thursday 30 May. To enter the competition, send an email to vienna@run-riot.com with the correct answer in the ‘subject’ line. The winner will be randomly selected.
Q: In the West Fela Kuti, the creator of Afrobeat, is known by many as “the man who married [insert number] wives”. The question is... How many?
A: .1) 22 .2) 27 .3) 30 .4) 37