Toussaint To Move Free
Freesheet
In a world confined by borders, flags and occupied lands.
Who dares to dream?
Who dares to break the cycles of oppression?
Who dares to be joyful in the darkest hour?
Free embarks on a powerful quest for a place of no limitations on people’s way of life and way of being. We sing: “take me to a place where I am free, leave the people dem so they can see.”
We dance as the Nyabinghi rhythms vibrate our bodies and we skank to the pulse of the one drop. Through the power of Reggae Culture and highly-physical dance, Free immerses audiences in the unwavering pursuit of freedom.
Celebrating Reggae’s global injection that has ignited revolutions all over the world since the 1960s. An immersive performance accompanied by original music with strong reggae and hints of jazz influences, written and performed by Buck and The Magnificence in the Reggae Dub style, held together by the storytelling nature of Toussaint To Move‘s world.
Gather, skank and lively up yourself, till we are all Free.
About Akeim Toussaint Buck
Akeim Toussaint Buck is an award-winning interdisciplinary performer and maker, born in Jamaica and raised in England. Graduating from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2014, Akeim began creating his own work in 2015, launching Toussaint To Move in 2016 with the creation of ‘Windows of Displacement’. TTM’S intention is to create moving, thought provoking, accessible and free-spirited projects. Exploring a variety of themes to challenge, enlighten and entertain audiences in a visceral way, calling on multiple art forms to weave a spectacle. Audiences are invited to not just observe, they are implicit in the experience. The work aims to reflect on reality, looking at ongoing socio-political issues, with a humanitarian intention.
The aesthetic of Toussaint’s work combines dance and other art forms such as; creative writing, film, poetry, beat-box, singing and acting to tell stories capable of bringing a variety of audiences together. Akeim’s movement is informed by methodologies of KickBoxing, Yoga, Capoeira, Caribbean Dance, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance. Improvisation and acute listening are at the core of Toussaint’s practice of vocalisation and movement, called Beatmotion. The artist embraces the holistic potential of performance to translate the affective dimension of socio-political realities.
Artistic Team & Credits
Artistic Direction Akeim Toussaint Buck
Choreography Akeim Toussaint Buck in collaboration with the performers
Creative Producer João Maio & Gillian Tan
Artistic Mentors Beverley Glean, Dr. ‘H’ Patten
Performers Aline Simo Kamga, Francesca Matthys, Jemima Tawose, Márcio Inácio, Manukaa Tony Kaaba
R&D Performers Maisha Kungu, Jeremiah Olusola
Scenography Rhian Millar
Lighting Designer & Operator Luke Jackson
Set Design & Fabrication Robyn Hughes
Rehearsal Director Sadé Alleyne
Audio Description Soloman The Wizard
Audio Description Consultancy Soundscribe
Dramaturgy Anthony Ekundayo Lennon & Louise Katerega
Studio Photography Solomon Charles-Kelly
Poster Design Leon Davis (aka LUSCIOUS)
Production Film & Photography Studio Bokhego
Free Music by Buck and The Magnificence
Lyrics and Lead Vocals Akeim Toussaint Buck
Drums and Backing Vocals Azizi Cole
Guitar and Backing Vocals Otis Jones
Bass Clarinet, Percussion and Backing Vocals Joel Stedman
Saxophone and Backing Vocals Jeffrey Gordan
Keys, Organ and Backing Vocals Joseph Frost-Tesfaye
Bass and Backing Vocals Owen Burns
Engineer and Producer (Sundown Recording) Shaun Williams
Co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, Transform and ARC Stockton (via The Make New Work Programme, supported by The Paul Hamlyn Foundation) and the development was funded via Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants.
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Sadler’s Wells East Lates: Free Late
Featuring One Love Orchestra
Friday 7 November, 8.30pm – midnight
When the performance ends, the night begins. Join us for East Lates.
After the powerful journey of Toussaint to Move’s Free, the One Love Orchestra will turn The Dance Floor into an epic reggae dance party.
Playing original music from the show and more, get ready for the big energy of live reggae, jazz and dub music.