Wakatt, the new creation by Serge Aimé Coulibaly, with live music by the Magic Malik Orchestra, examines daily reality and social changes through a dance language that starts from internal violence, human instinct, urgency and the need to express oneself. Wakatt, meaning “our times” in the Mossi language of Burkina Faso, is a reflection on the fear-filled contemporary era we live in. At a time when nationalism is on the rise in most parts of the world, the starting point of this new creation is “the fear of the other.” The one who is arriving, the one who is here, the one that they tell us will take our place, our job, our house. Featuring 10 dancers and three musicians, music and choreography take center stage in a constant exchange, with non-stop music written and performed by the musician Malik Mezzadri (Magik Malik), an Ivory-Coast-born French flutist and jazz musician. 

Serge Aimé Coulibaly is a dancer and choreographer from Burkina Faso. His inspiration is rooted in African culture and his art is committed to the necessity of powerful contemporary dance. Since founding the Faso Danse Théâtre company in 2002, Coulibaly’s productions have been presented in many theatres all over Europe and Africa. This is his American Premiere. 

Join us after the show on Friday for a conversation with Serge Aimé Coulibaly and Professor Angie Pittman (NYU). 

NYU COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

  • All audience members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a COVID-19 booster shot to enter the theater.
  • You may be asked to show proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted with an FDA-authorized or WHO-listed vaccine upon entry. Please be prepared to show proof of vaccination & booster with your photo ID if asked. Members of the NYU Community may gain entry by showing a VIOLET GO pass.
  • It is strongly recommended that audience members wear a well-fitted mask while in the theater.

Policy subject to change without notice. Read the full policy & FAQs here.

PLEASE NOTE: By reserving tickets, you agree to these terms.

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SUPPORT

This project is supported by FUSED (French U.S. Exchange in Dance), a program of Villa Albertine and FACE Foundation, in partnership with the French Embassy in the United States, with support from The Ford Foundation, The Florence Gould Foundation, Institut français, the French Ministry of Culture, and private donors. Made possible in part with support from the General Delegation of the Government of Flanders to the USA. #MadeinFlanders

Logos: FACE Foundation, Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States & Villa Albertine & Flanders State of the Art: Flanders Delegation to the USA

NYU Skirball’s programs are made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by Howard Gilman Foundation, FACE Foundation, General Delegation of the Government of Flanders to the USA, Collins Building Services, Consolidated Edison, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Marta Heflin Foundation, as well as our valued donors through memberships and commissioning fund support.

 

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Faso Danse: 5 dancers in starfish position at a diagonal to the right stand with a back background.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A group of dancer wearing colorful clothing stand in the center of the frame doing different dance positions. The background is black with a yellow tinted half circle at the center.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A woman wearing bright red pants and a tan top stands at the center of the picture with her head down and her legs wide. Behind her stand more dancers facing different directions wearing tan clothing.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A group of dancers wearing colorful clothing stand at the edge of the stage with one lower and raising his leg while the others hold him.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
Four dancer stand on stage with one almost on the ground with one arm raised towards the sky. The background is black with a yellow tinted half circle at the center.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A dark backdrop darkens this photo of a group of dancers facing away from the camera.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A group of dancers in colorful clothing stand in a circle with arms raised in middle of dance. The background is dark with a yellow centered half circle.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A shirtless man standing in the middle of a black background with his arm extended to the side.
Photo: Sophie Garcia
A group of people watch one man who is in front of them on his knees. The background in black with a white half circle in the center illuminating the scene.
Photo: Sophie Garcia