Dance performance ‘Echoes of Colonialism’

Dance performance ‘Echoes of Colonialism’

Presented by Nicholas Denzel Sambou, Nathalie Torres Kinard and Lil M.O.D.

As part of this year's Black History Month, the Austrian-African choreographer and dancer Nicholas Denzel Sambou, the performer Nathalie Torres Kinard and the dancer Lil M.O.D. present an artistic dance performance that deals intensively with selected artefacts from the depot of the Weltmuseum Wien.

In close collaboration with a curator and a conservator from the museum, artefacts were selected that establish a direct link to the dancers' regions of origin. These objects not only serve as a source of inspiration, but also form the starting point for the choreography, which thematises colonial history and the creative possibilities of dance. The performance makes it possible to reflect on the colonial past of the artefacts and to reinterpret them through a dance-based exploration. This creates a powerful dialogue between the artefacts and the dancers, allowing the audience to engage more deeply with this history. 

The choreography itself is an artistic exploration of the relationships between the artefacts and the dancers. It reflects the cultural exchange, resistance and resilience of the African diaspora and uses dance as a medium to communicate these themes in a powerful and moving way. 

Nicholas Denzel Sambou is a dancer of Gambian origin who specialises in contemporary dance and is deeply involved with West African dance styles, particularly from Senegal and Gambia. He has already danced on renowned stages such as the Vienna State Opera and the Theater an der Wien and is characterised by his versatile performances.

Nathalie Torres Kinard, also known as ‘Strange’, is a performer of Afro-Peruvian and Belgian background currently living in the Netherlands. Her main dance style is Krump, a dance style that originated in Los Angeles around 1999. Krump allows dancers to express deeply felt emotions without filters and share them in a supportive exchange with other dancers.

Lil M.O.D., a 15-year-old dancer with Nigerian roots from Oberwart, Burgenland, has already made a name for himself with his exceptional performances at international battles. With his unique combination of hip-hop and krump, his precise technique and explosive energy, he thrills audiences and tells powerful stories through dance. His stage name ‘Master of Disaster’ reflects his dynamism and creative versatility.

This performance combines dance, history and emotion in a powerful way and invites the audience to engage with the colonial past and re-experience it through the art of dance.

Duration: 30 min.
Free participation
No registration required
Meeting point: Hall of Columns