An Immigrant’s Story

In ‘An Immigrant’s Story’, Wanjiru Kamuyu explores the notions of place, belonging and otherness.

Her dance, a migratory map of encounters, starts with ballet, studied during her childhood in Kenya, to contemporary dance, discovered after her parents move family to the USA; and enfolded into her career journey’s delights in dances from the African continent and diaspora as well as butô.

Her body is a constantly shifting history. Her solo interrogates the gaze upon the “foreigner” in a new space, new society. Through satire, the work offers a critical eye on the notions of place and placement that are prevalent in today’s political discourse.

“Having lived on three different continents – Africa, North America and Europe – has provided me the privileged space and time to absorb diverse cultures and worldviews” – Wanjiru Kamuyu, Bessie Award winner 2024 for ‘Outstanding Choreographer’.

Duration: 55 minutes

“How can one not be won over by the intelligent foresight projected with so much conviction and sincerity?” – Yves Kafka, La Revue du Spectacle

“[The] performance… manages to load the room with reminders and new insights into a history and contemporary of racism, colonialism, sexism, migration and homesickness – all embodied through Wanjiru Kamuyu’s autobiographical dance” – Sara Meidell, VK, Sweden

The WKcollective Ireland tour is presented by the Regional Dance Touring Network and supported by the Institut Français and Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations’ program ‘Mouvements’.

Presented in association with the French Embassy in Ireland.