Kong is the third stage work by choreographer Oulouy, a work performed by the urban dance icon Ordinateur with the participation of the multidisciplinary artist Xamques. A bestial work with which Oulouy, through Kong, denounces imperialism, colonialism and capitalism, and their consequences. A performative manifesto where image and sound gain strength, to offer a show full of satire and symbolism, with a choreographic development that explores the possibilities of a single movement to the fullest.
It is a piece built from a single movement: the “kpangor” step, now iconic for Afro street dances worldwide and invented by the Ivorian DJ Arafat, one of the most important producers on the continent and a regular collaborator of Ordinateur.
BACKGROUND
Born in Ivory Coast and established in Spain, Oulouy combines his work as a choreographer, dancer and artistic director with teaching master classes internationally.
His first work, Black (2020), is a reflection on the violence and emancipation of black bodies in contemporary societies. Accompanied on stage by his international collective Supa Rich Kids, Afrikan Party (2022) is a futuristic ode to Africa. His most recent work is Kong (2024). His stage creations have been presented in important international spaces such as the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York, Bluma Appel in Toronto, Fabrik Potsdam in Germany, Dansens Hus Oslo, Mercat dels Flors, Teatre Principal de Palma, Journées Théâtrales de Carthage, Suzanne Dellal Centri, Dampfzentrale, Biennale de danse du Val-de-*Marne, among others.
Black was selected for the Dansa a Escena 2024 catalog to tour within Spain, making Oulouy one of the first choreographers to present his work within this network. Afrikan Party received the award for Best Choreography at the Critics’ Awards for the Performing Arts of Catalonia (2023), and this work has also been included in the choreographic archive of the New York Public Library. Oulouy is also the founder and curator of the Oyofe festival, dedicated to urban dance. This year, he has been selected as an artist for Aerowaves25 with his piece Black.
ARTISTIC TEAM
Direction and authorship: Oulouy
Choreography: Oulouy & Ordinateur
Performers: Ordinateur & Xamques
Lighting Design: Manuel Ordenavia
Art Direction & Set Design: Studio Eisabeth Herzog
Audiovisuals: Marta Minguell, Fullmoon & Oulouy
Projection & Lighting Design: Col·lectiu NAB3
Production & Distribution: Africa Moment
A production by Africa Moment, Department of Culture – Generalitat de Catalunya and Blackbox Theater Norway.
In collaboration with Tanzhaus Zürich, Oyofe Studio, Centre Cívic la Sagrera, La Barraca, SAT Teatre and La Bellone – Charleroi Danse.
