Book Muntu

Tomanka: (Malinke word meaning "the voice of my namesake"). Represents the spiritual washing a family performs when someone is to travel to ward off negativity and difficult challenges.  Also shows the celebration held in the honor of the one who travels upon their safe return.
Liberte': (French word for Freedom). A dance of freedom celebrating the independence of countries such as Guinea, Senegal and other that that have succeeded in their efforts to unify.
These two pieces are ofter performed together but can stand along as separate works.

Suite Nina

Choreographers: Deidre Dawkins & Kwame Opare

A journey through the life of legendary singer/activist Nina Simone. This work celebrates her power as a woman and her commitment to justice and fighting for change.

Kotebah

Choreographer: Abdoulaye Camara

A dance done primarily for rights of passage rituals that originates from the norther region of Senegal from the Bambara people.

Gye Nyame

Choreographer: Ronald K. Brown

Gye Nyame is an exploration of how we aim to live God-like, with the understanding that HE/SHE is everywhere and that liberation can be found in a faithful walk.

Roff

Choreographers: Amaniyea Payne & Idy Ciss

“Roff” is a blend of special seasonings used in the national dish of Senegal. This piece shows how traditional dances of Senegal have been passed on to the younger generation, and how they have added their own spice to the dance, while staying true to the tradition.

SHOUTing Rings

Choreographer: Reggie Wilson

A dynamic piece based in the Ring Shout, a spiritual dance created by enslaved Africans in the America after being denied the drum.

Sorsorne/Hamana

Choreographer: Moustapha Bangoura

Sorsorne is a dance from Guinea West Africa. It is an initiation dance of young girls celebrating their coming of age. Hamana, is a dance presented by men indicating that strength is to take care of the family.

premiereD in July 2012

Beauty I Am by Choreographer Jeffery Page

Muntu has commissioned a new work from Jeffery Page, a New York‐based dancer and choreographer. Jeffrey has choreographed for Beyonce and was lead dancer in the Broadway production ‘Fela.’ Jeffery’s work draws on his experiences traveling throughout West Africa to explore how dance-making is evolving on the Continent.

To premiere in 2013

Memories N’ Time A Collaboration with Reginald Robinson

Original Compositions by Reginald Robinson
To be Choreographed by Amaniyea Payne and a guest choreographer.

Amaniyea Payne and a guest choreographer will create new choreography to four original compositions by Reginald Robinson celebrating the styles of Scott Joplin, Lionel Belasco and E.T. Mensah