Ọkan by Maya & Toussaint

Experience the captivating, spiritual world of Ọkan, the latest duet collaboratively created by 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.

About the Artists:

Ella Mesma, pronouns are she/her or they/them is a Multidisciplinary Artist, Choreographer, Movement Specialist, Accredited Coach, Published Author, Teacher, and the Director of Ella Mesma Company. Trained in Afro-Latin, breaking, aerial silks and contemporary dance, Ella’s work is deeply inspired by Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian traditions, particularly the Orishas, Yoruba deities that Ella has studied for 20 years, and that guide much of Ella’s movement style. Ella has danced across continents, from the Olympics Opening Ceremony 2012, to the Joyce Theater in New York City, to Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Cuba; to Ella’s own commissions being featured at Sadler’s Wells and The Place.

Akeim Toussaint Buck is an interdisciplinary performer and maker, born in Jamaica and raised in England. After graduating from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2014, Akeim began creating his own work in 2016. His intention is to create moving, thought-provoking, accessible and free-spirited projects. Akeim's work has been supported by Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Inspired, Geraldine Connor Foundation, IRIE! Dance Theatre, Spin Arts, RJC, Deda, Fabric, Streatham Space Project, Serendipity, NSCD, Sadlers Wells and Arts Council England.

Tickets:

• £16/£14 concessions
• £10 Falmouth and Exeter Students

Contact us:

T: +44(0)1326 259349