Banjul and back

Asha and I just returned to Paris after an amazing two week program in Banjul, The Gambia.

We worked daily at the Ebunjan Theatre with their 17 trainees, creating a new piece on the troupe called Mystical Strings. The performances July 6 and 7 were a hit and a historical moment. This was the very first modern dance show in the country.

During the two week project, we also visited local highschools to give motivational talks and taught children dance workshops. We were immersed in the work around the clock and loved every minute of it. I will miss the Ebunjan theatre troupe but hope that they continue to dance Mystical Strings and most importantly that they follow their dream to be artists.

So a big thanks to the dancers and to Janet Badjan-Young for building the the theatre and creating the country's first theatre troupe. I wish her many more productions to come!

A huge thanks to African Regional Services Paris for our Fulbright grant which made this trip possible and to the U.S. Embassy in Banjul for their immense help for every aspect of our work in the Gambia. Control Officer Tula Orum first had this idea to bring modern dance to the Gambia and I thank her vision and tireless support. 

More photos to come.