Underneath climate cracks – The dying African philosophy

In the organizer's words:

"My mother Esther Meeme Nalubanda comes from a long line of rainmakers. I remember when I was little, she used to perform rituals to stop the rain or call it. As I grew older, she lost faith in these rituals and stopped practicing them. When she stopped doing them, my childhood ended." (Michael Kaddu)

This interdisciplinary performance explores the role of rituals in relation to people and the environment. How can body knowledge and different dance traditions be used to promote a more mindful connection with nature and ecological systems?

The ritual of rainmaking is a tradition that is slowly disappearing in Africa, as are many other traditional customs. However, there is still a great deal of knowledge about observing nature and a deep understanding of how different weather factors interact and influence the local environment. This knowledge is expressed in a variety of dances, songs and rituals, as well as in the relationships between humans and nature.

Concept, choreography, performance: Michael Kaddu
Costume: Catherin Kaddu, Michael Kaddu
Dramaturgical advice: Esther Meeme Nalubanda
Music: Emyoyo by Michael Kaddu & Pirimo Hamuza, Furuti by Hukwe Zawose & John Mponda, DIp 2.1 by William Basinski, Strato by Hannes Bieger

An event as part of the KUYUM Dance Platform 2025, funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion.