Interview: Choreographer Dickson Mbi on Tellus, an ancient story for modern times

In 2023, choreographer Dickson Mbi found inspiration for his latest work, Tellus, through a childhood folk tale shared by his parents. The story, rooted in African cultural traditions, centers on a woman who appeals to a river goddess for relief during a drought. This narrative became a creative catalyst for Mbi, intertwining personal heritage with contemporary concerns about climate change.

While caring for his infant son, Mbi sought a soothing bedtime story that could also convey deeper meaning. The tale of Mami-Wata, a water spirit who responds to offerings in times of need, resurfaced as an emblematic figure representing humanity’s fraught relationship with nature. Similar deities appear in various global cultures, but Mbi’s focus was not on theological distinctions; rather, he aimed to channel the emotional and cultural resonance of this myth for a modern audience.

The timing of this creative process was significant, as Europe faced severe forest fires and droughts in the summer of 2024, making the themes of Tellus particularly urgent. Mbi’s approach emphasized the human impact of environmental crises, reflecting empathy for communities directly affected by water scarcity and food insecurity. Though living in England, where such struggles are less immediate, he sought to amplify the voices of those enduring the harsh realities of climate disruption.

Music plays a foundational role in Mbi’s artistic vision. He began composing melodies that echoed the emotional gravity of his reflections, including a tribute to the late dance sector leader Emma Gladstone, who had mentored him. The pandemic period provided Mbi the opportunity to hone his skills in music writing and orchestration, allowing him to integrate sound intimately with choreography. The resulting score for Tellus is designed to engage the audience’s imagination, blending auditory and visual elements into a cohesive sensory experience.

Mbi’s career trajectory is notable for its fusion of diverse dance forms. Originating in street dance and later refining his craft through contemporary training under Russell Maliphant, he has since expanded into ballet choreography, contributing works like Twice Born for Scottish Ballet. This eclectic background informs Tellus, where organic movement and natural flow underpin the storytelling.

Collaborating with writer Nick Drake, Mbi developed Tellus’s narrative framework around a village devastated by wildfire and subsequent drought. The survivor’s journey to reconnect with ancient spiritual forces and invoke the river goddess’s aid underscores the tension between modern disconnection and ancestral wisdom. Mbi underscores that, despite his African roots, the story transcends literal geography, inviting audiences worldwide to engage with its symbolic themes.

The premiere of Tellus is scheduled for October 21–24, 2024, at Sadler’s Wells East, coinciding with the release of its vinyl album on October 23. Mbi’s intent is to create a work that resonates emotionally without demanding intellectual comprehension of its message. He prioritizes accessibility, crafting a multisensory spectacle that captivates through dance, music, and visual design.

The resurgence of wildfires across Europe in 2026 adds layers of immediacy to Tellus’s themes, highlighting the ongoing relevance of environmental issues. Mbi consciously avoids overt didacticism, preferring instead to offer a reflective artistic response that invites empathy and contemplation. His work serves as a poignant reminder that behind every climatic statistic lie human stories marked by loss and resilience.

As an artist, Mbi channels his heritage, personal experience, and formal training into a multidisciplinary expression that bridges tradition and contemporary urgency. Tellus exemplifies how dance and music can articulate complex global challenges through the intimate language of human emotion and storytelling, making it a significant cultural contribution to the discourse on climate and community.