MBOK’ELENGI

Jolie Ngemi

– Person in einem Kostüm aus zerknittertem Papier, das Gesicht halb verdeckt, hebt ein Bein. Im Hintergrund eine Person in zerfetztem Stoff.

Five dancers bring the energy of Congolese Sebene dances to the stage and transform it into a powerful, political danced manifesto – for liberation, against injustice, and for the joy of life.“MBOK’ELENGI” means “pleasure” and “joy of life” in Lingala, Jolie Ngemi’s native language. Taken up by Congolese youth, it has become a popular (survival) slogan on the streets of Kinshasa. For her impressive group piece of the same title, “MBOK’ELENGI,” the choreographer and dancer translates this outlook on life into contemporary dance. On stage, five dancers reinterpret famous Congolese dances from the Sebene music genre – a guitar-driven style of Congolese pop music. Their movements are inspired by the struggle against injustices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a deep desire for liberation. With great power, they challenge hegemonic codes that deepen inequalities and further impoverish the poorest in favor of the richest. Before the audience’s eyes, a piece unfolds that is as political and defiant as it is hopeful. Jolie Ngemi previously performed “NKISI” at HAU in 2024.

approx. 75 mins.

Artists/Collaborators: Jolie Ngemi (Choreografie), Hannah Pfurtscheller (Dramaturgie), Liliane Ngemi (Assistenz), Guelord Vulu (Performer*innen), Prudence Tcheuméo Tchato (Performer*innen), Donnel Bangusa Emwila (Performer*innen), Isaac Mutashi Tshipema (Performer*innen), Jolie Ngemi (Performer*innen), Edouard Hugli (Technische Leitung und Lichtregie), Alain Caron (Technische Leitung und Lichtregie), Zineb Rostom (Stage Management), Gaëlle Chérix (Bühne), Rokia Bamba und Yekima De Bel Art (Musik), Jolie Ngemi (Kostüm), Jérôme Pique (Tour-Produktion / Distribution), Zoé Siemen (Tour-Produktion / Distribution), Véronique Maréchal (Administration)

Next date: MBOK'ELENGI

• Date Thursday, 08/October/2026 20:00 ( 1 more date )
• Venue Hebbel am Ufer - HAU2
• Address Hallesches Ufer 32, 10963 Berlin-Kreuzberg
• Price from €17.00

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