State of Play Festival: Free Dance Show “An Immigrant’s Story” at ODC (Jul 31-Aug 1)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

As a “foreigner”, “(im)migrant”, “othered body” one is confronted with the pertinent need to re-define home and re-establish one’s place within a new societal framework. Wanjiru Kamuyu wishes to reflect upon her personal journey as “(im)migrant” while non-linearly interweaving the rich and diverse stories of fellow “(im)migrants” in examining the politics surrounding the notion of privilege within a new societal, political and cultural landscape. Her dance, a migratory map of encounters, and having lived on three different continents – Africa, North America and Europe – has provided Kamuyu the privileged space and time to absorb diverse cultures, aesthetics and worldviews. An Immigrant’s Story explores the complexity of the “othered” in relationship to re-creating a sense of belonging. It examines our mobility and access inclusive of the perceptions and reception of the “(im)migrant” within a new society and cultural constitution; which are influenced by dominant norms, stereotypes and prejudices.

Wanjiru Kamuyu, native Kenyan based in Paris, France, is associate artist with National Choreographic Center Nantes (France), a Live Feed artist with New York Live Arts (USA) and 2023 Villa Albertine Artist. Her career began with its genesis in New York City. Kamuyu founded dance company, WKcollective, which is associate company with creative production agency camin aktion (Montpellier, France). Her choreographic projects include tours in the US, Africa, Asia and Europe.  Commissions include theater directors Jérôme Savary; François Auguste ; Hassan Kassi Kouyate; US esteemed dance departments (Mills College, Univ. of Michigan, Wayne State Uni., Stephens College); artistic consulting/outside eye for choreographer Bintou Dembele; choreographer assistant to Nathan Trice; storyteller Nathalie La Boucher; and community engagement projects with New WORLD Theater (USA); choreographer Eun-mi Ahn’s; Euroculture and the Natl. Ctr. for Dance project “Assemblé” (France).  

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