Two generations of African contemporary dance meet this month in Paris. From 12 to 18 October 2026, the Théâtre de la Ville–Sarah Bernhardt, on place du Châtelet, presents As We Are, an evening that brings together Germaine Acogny and Gregory Maqoma.
The first half is Joséphine, a solo in which Acogny, 82, explores the life of Joséphine Baker, from her fight against racism to her role in the Resistance. She choreographed it with Alesandra Seutin, with direction and dramaturgy by Mikaël Serre. The piece was created in Paris in September 2025.
The second half is Bantu, Maqoma's new work for twelve dancers from the École des Sables in Senegal and Vuyani Dance Theatre in South Africa. It pays tribute to Acogny's teaching and looks at social realities across the continent, to music by Yogin Sullaphen. It premiered in Johannesburg in January 2026.
Acogny founded the École des Sables in Senegal, which has trained many dancers and choreographers. Before Paris, As We Are had its European premiere at the Ruhrtriennale in Duisburg in September.
The evening lasts about 1 hour 25 minutes with an interval. Performances are at 8 pm, with a 3 pm show on Sunday 18 October; Bantu is also staged on Saturday 17 October at 3 pm, followed by a talk with both artists.
