THEATRE

GUEWEL

‘Guewel’ is an interdisciplinary theatre work from 13.12, directed by Lamine Sonko. In a groundbreaking collaboration with the National Theatre of Senegal, it explores an ancient African cosmovision, illuminating new perspectives of the world around us.

‘Guewel’ brings forth sacred, timeless knowledge of how we are all connected. Transcending cultural boundaries, the work illuminates embodied understandings of how we experience the metaphysical realms and how these encounters prepare us for life’s beginnings and endings. The culmination of over 7 years of research and development in Australia and Senegal, the work draws deeply on director Lamine Sonko’s cultural heritage as a guewel of Senegal, where he is traditionally trained to be a custodian and communicator of ancient cultural knowledge systems. Sonko brings this wisdom into a contemporary context which sees performers from the National Theatre of Senegal coming together with 13.12's Australian-based artists in an immersive performance that blends elements of dance, music, projection animation, and filmed cultural landscapes.

Guewel contrbutes to a more globally celebrated performance landscape, expanding the boundaries of how art can transform perspectives and enrich the human experience.

‘Guewel obliges us to return to the fundamentals, to find the balance of being. We were taken....into a past that we have forgotten’

Prof. Magueye Kasse

‘Guéwel’ takes the spectator deep into the intricacies of African and Senegalese mythology, starting from a tragic ritual blending the sacred and the spiritual’

Agence Press Senegalaise

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The Journey

World Premiere Melbourne

‘Guewel’ premiere in partnership with Senegal’s National Theatre

Stage 3

National Theatre Sorano (Senegal).

2 month residency an artistic collaboration blending ancient practices with contemporary performance

Creative Development Melbourne

Final phase of development to weave together a rich tapestry of sound, projection, and composition into an immersive experience.

Stage 2

Arts House CultureLAB Development

Explored new approaches to presenting traditional cultural knowledge, integrating multidimensional performance elements in a participatory, experiential and inter-disciplinary process.

Stage 1

Practice-based Research Senegal

Explored ancient African cosmovision with cultural elders and community, transforming cultural research and metaphysical knowledge systems through embodied learning.

Melbourne Recital Centre