An Evening With ỌKAN

Maya & Toussaint

About An Evening With ỌKAN

EARLY BIRD OFFER: limited tickets available – book now to save!*

The Place presents: An Evening with Ọkan

Join Ella Mesma and Akeim Toussaint Buck for a vibrant evening inspired by their new show, Ọkan, as part of Bloomsbury Festival 2025.

Enter the world of Ọkan in a rich celebration of culture, community and connection in this one-off evening takeover of The Place, with performances, workshops and conversations unfolding across different spaces. The programme includes:

  • A behind-the-scenes exhibition exploring the influences of salsa, Wing Chun, and Yoruba culture in Ella and Akeim’s research

  • A social salsa class open to all — whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned dancer!

  • A movement workshop delving into rhythms and creative expression

  • A live performance extract from the show Ọkan

  • An Afro-Latin DJ set in The Place bar

Come along to move, watch, connect and celebrate the power of art, dance, and community. Exhibition opens from 7pm on Sat 18 Oct. The first salsa class starts at 7:30pm.

*The Early Bird discount will be applied at checkout.

Credits

Choreographers and curators: 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

Guest artists will be announced soon.

Commissioned and produced by The Place.

Supported using public funding from Arts Council England.

About Maya & Toussaint

Ella Mesma (she/her or they/them) is a Multidisciplinary Artist, Choreographer, Movement Specialist, Accredited Coach, Published Author, Teacher, and the Director of Ella Mesma Company. Trained in Afro-Latin, breaking, aerial silks and contemporary dance, Ella’s work is deeply inspired by Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian traditions.

Akeim Toussaint Buck is an interdisciplinary performer and maker, born in Jamaica and raised in England. After graduating from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2014, Akeim began creating his own work in 2016. His intention is to create moving, thought-provoking, accessible and free-spirited projects.

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