SOMEWHERE AT THE BEGINNING
Performance by Germaine Acogny
May 25/26, 2026, 7 p.m.
Radialsystem, Berlin
Germaine Acogny, icon of contemporary African dance and winner of the Golden Lion at the Biennale Danza, embarks on a tentative journey into the past with her moving solo performance “Somewhere at the Beginning”: to her origins and ancestors, who accompany her like shadows and witnesses. Germaine Acogny's body tells of departure and return, of leaving the African continent, of life in European exile, and of homecoming. “Somewhere at the Beginning” unfolds as a quiet dialogue between continents and the search for identity – never complete, never final, but always in a state of becoming. The intimate direction of German-French director Mikaël Serre opens up a space of memory that focuses on the personal, the fragile, and the unfinished.
Tickets here (link will follow).
The performance marks the start of the series “UNEXPECTED LESSONS – Knowledges of Body and Sound.” The performances will be complemented by a supporting program lasting several days:
GERMAINE ACOGNY – Die Essenz des Tanzes
Berlin film premiere
May 25, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Radialsystem, Berlin
In addition to workshops and an artistic meeting space, we will be showing the Berlin premiere of the documentary film “Germaine Acogny – Die Essenz des Tanzes” by Greta-Marie Becker on May 26. The film will then be released in cinemas throughout Germany.
Tickets here (link will follow).
AT THE TABLE WITH…
May 26, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Artist talk with Germaine Acogny, Patrick Acogny, Mansour Ciss Kanakassy, moderated by Prof. Dr. Mariama Diagne and Isabel Raabe
DANCE WORKSHOP with Patrick Acogny
May 24, 2026, 3–5 p.m.
Radialsystem, Berlin
The work of the Senegalese-French dancer, choreographer, and teacher Patrick Acogny moves at the intersection of contemporary African dance, body work, and contemporary choreography. His powerful and vibrant training is open to all levels, as he himself says: “In many African cultures, you don’t start by knowing how to dance. You start by being there, listening, and entering the circle.” The workshop of this internationally renowned artist is based on the spine as a source of movement, breath, and polyrhythms, unfolding from warm-ups to small choreographic sequences. The workshop is accompanied by live music.
Tickets here (link will follow).
DANCE WORKSHOP with Germaine Acogny
May 27, 2026, 2-4 p.m.
Location tbc
Germaine Acogny developed her own technique, which she describes as “African dance in modern expression.” Her work focuses on the spine—a symbol of the snake and the tree of life. Warm-up, floor work, and choreographic sequences invite dancers of all levels to rediscover their movement qualities and transform traditional forms into a contemporary, universal dance language. The workshop will be accompanied by live music.
Tickets here (link will follow).
The series "UNEXPECTED LESSONS – Knowledges of Body and Sound" is funded by the Stiftung Deutsche Klassenlotterie Berlin (The German Classes Lottery Foundation Berlin).