Current

Africa 2053

Before nothing, was desire

2021

AFRICA YEAR 2053 is a multidisciplinary dance-theater project, its objective is to create a performance about images, dreams and desires of african people on a future of wellbeing for all in the continent, 30 years from now. The content of the performance is being gathered through a remote and virtual research period based in Postdramatic Theater aesthetics and social technologies approaches such as Future Search and Appreciative Inquiry. The piece will be a multifaceted, performative act in which viewers and performers alike feel invited to reflect on their participation in the construction of this near future. The resulting performance would encourage an active, dynamic, remote and physical relationship with the audience.

It is an international and collaborative effort between 17 dancers from 11 african  countries, two local cultural centers, one in Ivory Coast  and the other in Senegal, a spanish Sound artist, a german Multimedia artist, and an expert in appreciative-inquiry from Colombia/Peru. We are working across five languages (French, englisch, portuguese german and spanish) and four spiritual traditions (Christian, Muslim, Folk religion and Atheism)

“Before nothing was desire” is a short film documentary from the first creative encounter between Jorge Puerta Armenta and the dancers. Was 100% virtual during last April 2021 under the pandemic lock down. All are filmed with their own handy cameras. 

Concept and Direction: Jorge Puerta Armenta

Dance and Creation: Evrard Bekoin, Gloria Biachi, Luciene Cabral, Khadija Cisse, Inas Dasylva, Christie Dossou, Adjo Delali Foli, Vuyo Mahashe, Babacar Mane, Vasco Mirine, Florent Nikiema, Shelly Tetely, Brian Oloo, Asanda Ruda, Landry Seka, Amadou Lamine Sow. 

Director’s Assistant: Ditta Jasjfi

Music Collage: Jorge Puerta Armenta/Manuela Amarante Puerta

Video Editing: Manuela Amarante Puerta

Camera: Evrard Bekoin, Gloria Biachi, Luciene Cabral, Khadija Cisse, Inas Dasylva, Christie Dossou, Adjo Delali Foli, Vuyo Mahashe, Babacar Mane, Vasco Mirine, Florent Nikiema, Shelly Tetely, Brian Oloo, Asanda Ruda, Landry Seka, Amadou Lamine Sow. f

With the support of: KAAY FECC 2021 Dance festival in Dakar and African Film Festival 2021 in Wuppertal.