Re:INCARNATION Qudus Onikeku
Presented by Dublin Dance Festival and the Abbey Theatre
Irish Premiere
Nigeria
An ode to the richness of Nigerian culture, bursting with energy, colour and joy
Tue 20—Wed 21 May 2025
The groundbreaking QDance Company ignites the stage with Re:INCARNATION, a vibrant and electrifying spectacle that immerses audiences in Nigerian culture.
↓ Read morePrice
€15 – €42 (concession rates available)
How long?
90 mins (no interval)
Age guidance 12+. This performance contains haze, partial nudity and some sexual references.
There will be a Post-Show DJ Set on Tuesday 20 May (included in the ticket).
From the show
Watch
"Driven by a magnificent soundtrack [...] and two superb onstage musicians, it’s ambitious, engrossing and fresh."
The Guardian
"A tremendous piece. The QDance Company’s 10 dancers and two musicians command the stage with Broadway-like showmanship."
Montreal Rampage
Blending dance, music, fashion and visual art, this multi-sensory experience pulses with raw energy and creativity.
Fascinated by how the Nigerian youth reclaims and renews elements from their heritage, choreographer Qudus Onikeku delves into Yoruba philosophy and its cyclical perspective on life through Ibi (birth), Iku (death), and Atunbi (re-birth). Set to a pulsating Afrobeats soundtrack infused with jazz, soul, funk, and traditional African rhythms, this exuberant performance channels the dynamic spirit of Lagos – its chaos and beauty.
Wearing vivid masks and brightly coloured costumes, ten dancers and two musicians embody a powerful and joyous narrative. Bold and compelling, Re:INCARNATION pays tribute to Nigeria's rich cultural heritage while celebrating how a new generation reimagines the past to reveal new paths to future.
Exclusive Post-Show DJ Set with Qudus Onikeku
Join Qudus Onikeku for a vibey DJ set in the Abbey Bar from 9pm – 10pm after the show on Tues 20 May. Access is included in your ticket for that performance.
Dive deeper with an insightful Lunchtime Talk with Qudus Onikeku, Wed 21 May, 12:30pm
Hear from choreographer Qudus Onikeku on his artistic vision and practice. This lunchtime talk is part of Interspaces, a special series of inspirational workshops and discussions for DDF’s 21st Edition. Book Here.
Credits
- Dancers Addy Oyinkuro, Angela Okolo, Esther Essien, David Emmanuel, Ruth Efigo, Oba Ugochukwu, Bethel Wisdom, Faith Okoh, Grace Diepreye, Eze Gift
- Musicians Fabiyi Abiodun Samuel, Simeon Lawrence
- Lighting Design Michel Abdallah
- Costume Design Mary Peter Ochei
- Stage Manager Isaak Lartey
- Mask Makers Nas Magnificent and Yusuf Aina Abogunde
- Production & Touring Hajarat Alli (The QDanceCompany)
- Tour Manager Victor Lawani
- Production THE QDANCE COMPANY LAGOS
- Associate Production France YK Projects
Co-production: Biennale de la danse – Lyon, Les Spectacles vivants – Centre Pompidou Les Halles de Schaerbeek – Bruxelles Théâtre Paul-Éluard – Bezons, Escales danse en Val-d’Oise Théâtre national de Bretagne
