ỌKAN
by Maya & Toussaint
About ỌKAN
Experience the captivating world of Ọkan, the latest duet collaboratively created by Akeim Toussaint Buck and Ella Mesma. Rooted in the Yoruba word meaning Oneness, Conscience, and Heart, Ọkan embodies a limitless, open-minded approach to life. The performance blends the fluidity of Salsa with the precision of Wing Chun martial arts, transcending gender, human, and emotional barriers to become a catalyst for transformation.
Inspired by themes of identity, ancestry, and unity, Ọkan invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of being while celebrating resilience and connection. It is a breath of hope that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impact on all who witness its artistry. The piece also serves as a tribute to the history and legacy of those who came before us, honouring their stories through movement and expression.
About Akeim Toussaint Buck and Ella Mesma
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, particularly the Orishas, Yoruba deities that Ella has studied for 20 years, and that guide much of Ella’s movement style. Ella has danced across continents, from the Olympics Opening Ceremony 2012, to the Joyce Theater in New York City, to Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Cuba; to Ella’s own commissions being featured at Sadler’s Wells and The Place.
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. Akeim's work has been supported by Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Inspired, Geraldine Connor Foundation, IRIE! Dance Theatre, Spin Arts, RJC, Deda, Fabric, Streatham Space Project, Serendipity, NSCD, Sadlers Wells and Arts Council England.
Akeim and Ella began working together on Ọkan through The Place’s Choreodrome residency, and were supported in-kind by Yorkshire Dance in 2022.
Cast & Credits
Choreographers: Ella Mesma and Akeim Toussaint Buck
Dancers: David Evans and Ffion Campbell-Davies
Commissioned and co-produced by The Place.
Supported using public funding from Arts Council England.
Supported by Pavilion Dance South West.
