Nairobi’s dance scene is set to sizzle with the upcoming debut of “Voulez-Vous,” the latest production by the renowned Origins Dance Company. Scheduled for March 21st and 22nd at Matteo’s in Karen, this show promises an evening of burlesque flair, sultry singing, and sensational dancing.
“Voulez-Vous” is a place where secrets are whispered, and dreams are danced. The production is choreographed by Origins Dance Company founder Juliet Duckworth and draws inspiration from the iconic style of Bob Fosse, infusing the choreography with his signature flair. Audiences can anticipate a bold and saucy performance that challenges traditional norms and celebrates the art of burlesque.
The Origins Dance Company has a reputation for pushing boundaries and redefining dance narratives in Kenya. Their commitment to originality is evident in this new production, as they invite audiences to step into a world where dance becomes a medium for storytelling and expression. As we have come to expect from Origins, the dancing is powerful, showcasing the skills of the dancers*.
The cabaret features song as well as dance and Duckworth has recruited fabulous singers to fill those roles. Brian Njonge Kimani brings plenty of camp flair to his role as The Host – introducing us to the cheeky world of the brothel and its resident.
Audiences will be treated to the famous voice of Lisa Oduor-Noah as Matron Mama Margo. As Patricia Kihoro says, “she sings and the earth slows down on its axis to marvel. The air becomes a little lighter, and colors become brighter. Spirits are lifted, ego’s assuaged, hearts become full and pain, a distant memory.”
Multi-talented actors Visser Nyerere, Muringo Mware and Stephaniah Lagho also join the cast, adding their voices to this rollicking cabaret.
This burlesque cabaret was conceived and written by Juliet Duckworth and Keya Punja. It borrows musical numbers that the audience will recognize: Money Money (“money makes the world go round”), All That Jazz, and of course (Life Is A) Cabaret. Audiences can expect a jaunty 1930s vibe reminiscent of musicals like Cabaret, Chicago & Sweet Charity, whose characters are taxi-dancers (and maybe more…), the name given to dancers-for-hire at dance halls in early 20th century America. As The Host says, “Welcome to Voulez-Vous…where everything is on the menu!”.
Tickets for “Voulez-Vous” are now available, and given the company’s past sold-out performances, early booking is highly recommended! The shows will run from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM on both evenings, offering a compact and pacy experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
🔥 HOW TO GET YOUR TICKET 🔥
1️⃣ Send money via M-Pesa
Paybill: 4060979
Account Number: VOULEZ VOUS
2️⃣ Choose your seat:
Regular seat: Ksh 2500
Table (4 people): Ksh 4000 per person
3️⃣ Show your payment at the door – That’s your ticket!
For a sneak peek into what “Voulez-Vous” has in store, check out the teaser video shared by Origins Dance Company on their Instagram page.
*The Origins Dancers are: Silvester Ouma as Ceassor; Alexus Ndagwa as John; Eddie Karani as Bobby; Nyaikamba Catherine as Frenchie; Knight Achieng as Fritzy; Arnold Osano as Ben; John Baraka as Albert; Charles Okwako as Texas and Ashton Laurence as Helga.