Mbok’Elengi

The vibrant energy of Kinshasa calls for a world without borders

Congolese choreographer Jolie Ngemi brings the vibrant energy of the streets of Kinshasa to the stage in her new creation. Mbok’Elengi, a popular slogan among the youth of Kinshasa, refers to a land filled with joy, beauty, and pos- itive vibes. The title is a combination of ‘Mboka’ (land, place) and ‘Elengi’ (pleasure, joy, ecstasy) in Lingala. With this expression, young people in Kinshasa shape their vision of life. Despite hard- ships, injustices, conflicts, and obstacles, they display an inexhaustible energy, pride, and sense of community. Five dancers bring this slogan to life and call for a world without borders.

choreography & costume Jolie Ngemi dramaturgy Hannah Pfurtscheller performance Donnel Bangusa Emwila, Isaac Mutashi Tshipema, Sephora Mutubulu Lesa, Jolie Ngemi, Guelord Vulu light design & technique Edouard Hügli scenografy Gaëlle Cherix sound design Rokia Bamba production Association AUC (CH) executive production & distribution Anna Ladeira | Le Voisin co-production Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain (CH), KVS (BE), KAAP (BE), HAU Hebbel am Ufer (DE), DE SINGEL (BE), STUK (BE) with the support of Fonds cantonal des arts de la scène - Canton de Vaud, Loterie Romande, Fondation Corymbo, Fondation SIS