Ọkan by Maya & Toussaint
Ọkan is a powerful, soul-stirring performance where martial arts meets salsa, and tradition dances with transformation.
Drawing from the rich worlds of Yoruba spirituality, Wing Chun martial arts, and the fiery passion of Salsa, Ọkan is an exhilarating fusion of movement, music, and meaning. At its heart is the dynamic interplay of leading and following, of surrender and strength: shifting between the elemental forces of fire and water.
Inspired by the saying “be like water, my friend”, and the Latin expression “like water for chocolate”: signaling emotions on the edge of boiling, this performance invites you into an emotional landscape where bodies speak louder than words.
In Yoruba, Ọkan means many things related to the heart: one heart, big-hearted, open-hearted, even stubborn-hearted. And through this piece, you’ll feel all of it: Flow. Conflict. Romance. Friendship. Codependency. Wholeness. Individuality. Oneness. Transformation.
Set to a live, pulsing score, Ọkan immerses you in a vibrant dialogue between bodies, rhythm, and space: a celebration that’s part dance, part theatre, and part spiritual release.
Whether you’re a fan of the fluid grace of martial arts, the syncopated soul of salsa, or the emotional power of live performance: Ọkan will move you.
Come experience the fire. Feel the water. Dance with the heart.
Choreographers: Ella Mesma and Akeim Toussaint Buck
Dancers: David Evans and Ofelia Balogun
Composers and Musicians: Azizi Cole and Joel Stedman
Costume Designers: Audrey Mae and Annette Raudmets
Lighting Designer: Ciaran Cunningham
Set Designer: Stella-Jane Odoemelam
Dramaturg: Eva Martinez
Movement Consultants: Gil Del Prado and Leo Au Yeung
Commissioned and co-produced by The Place.
Supported using public funding from Arts Council England.
Supported by Pavilion Dance South West.
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Credits for An Evening With Okan:
Choreographers: Ella Mesma and Akeim Toussaint Buck
Dancers: David Evans and Ofelia Balogun
Composers and Musicians: Azizi Cole and Joel Stedman
Costume Designers: Audrey Mae and Annette Raudmets
Dramaturg: Eva Martinez
Featuring guest artists Sabroso Dance Academy, DJ Lubi and a digital artwork by Bryan Aldea.
Commissioned and co-produced by The Place.
Supported using public funding from Arts Council England.
The choreographers and dancers are Akeim Toussaint Buck of Jamaican heritage (pronouns he/they), Ella Mesma of white British and Black Nigerian heritage (pronouns she/they), Ofelia Balogun of Nigerian and Italian heritage, and David Evans of Kiwi and British nationality with British and Irish heritage.
The piece will initially be created as a duet, designed to tour small-scale venues. The main goal of Ọkan’s collaboration is to develop a versatile work that can be expanded into multiple duets and toured with a larger cast.
Ọkan had an exciting Research and Development phase in Autumn 2023, featuring inspiring collaborations, including international sharing sessions and an Artist Residency at Armunia in Tuscany, Italy.
Creation will continue in 2025, with touring planned for Spring and Autumn 2025. Bookings are also available through The Place. In the meantime, please contact the producer with any questions regarding scale and technical requirements.
Touring party: 3 to 4 (2 Dancers, 1 Technician, 1 Producer for some touring dates).
Timeline:
Co-Produced and commissioned by The Place. This work is supported by public funding from Arts Council England. The work’s creation has been supported by Pavilion Dance South West and Yorkshire Dance, with further support from FABRIC, South East Dance and the British Council.
