Two pieces can be in dialogue without telling the same story. As We Are brings together a solo and a collective piece at the Studio du Grand Théâtre, on 22, 23 and 24 October 2026 at 19:30.
Joséphine and Bantu, two distinct works
Joséphine is performed by Germaine Acogny, who shares the choreography with Alesandra Seutin. The institutional presentation announces a dialogue with the figure of Josephine Baker. Bantu, conceived and choreographed by Gregory Maqoma, brings together twelve performers from École des Sables and Vuyani Dance Theatre.
Les Théâtres de la Ville place memory, dignity and the bonds between people among the programme’s central themes. These are stated intentions, which we do not turn into a description of an experience already lived.
The listing gives an approximate running time of 1 h 05, as well as an interval, and warns of strobe effects. The listed prices are 20 euros for adults and 8 euros for young people; conditions and availability should be checked with the box office.
Watching the transitions between the individual and the group
When discovering a dance programme, there is no need to translate every gesture into a sentence. Instead, we suggest keeping one question in mind: how does a presence occupy the space, alone or among others? A movement, a moment of stillness or the distance between two bodies can become a point of reference without requiring an immediate explanation.
The interval can be a chance to hold on to a few images before the second part. It does not require you to reach a definitive judgement about the first. You can simply ask yourself what caught your eye, then observe what changes when the form shifts.
Letting the two works retain their individuality
The risk of a shared programme is that we look too quickly for a formula that explains everything. Our suggestion is the opposite: first note a difference, then a possible echo. Comparison then becomes a question put to the works, not a conclusion imposed by their proximity in the evening’s programme.
After the performance, describing a specific sequence to the person accompanying us can open up a conversation. They may have been looking elsewhere at the same moment. This difference in perception is part of the pleasure of sharing an outing, without needing to decide who has “understood” the dance.
Sources
Sources consulted on 1 October 2026.
