This spring, Kwasi Obeng-Adjei will bring his work KO! to Guelph! Guelph Dance originally met Kwasi through our 2023 Screen Dances Series, and then again last year for African Dance Workshops at Hillside Inside! We’re thrilled to have Kwasi back to Guelph performing live, alongside Amelie Giusta for the IN THE PARK series at Exhibition Park and Orin Reid Park. Kwasi will also be teaching an open level Afro Fusion Dance workshop on the Sunday morning of the festival.
When did you start creating this work? And how has “KO!” evolved since its inception?
This work was first developed for a presentation at Night Shift, produced by Citadel + Compagnie and FFDN. Originally conceived as a group piece, it has since evolved into a duet.
The piece explores the relationship between two bodies, shifting focus away from difference and toward what unites and drives them. Through a freeform approach to movement, it investigates connection, shared impulses, and the subtle ways bodies respond to and influence one another.
What role has collaboration played in the creation and performance of this work?
The aspect of collaborating with an artist in a form different from myself is what ignited my interest to revisit and explore the possibilities of what this piece can evolve into.
Is there anything you hope the audience will take away from the performance in Guelph?
Joy, freedom and perspective.