Review: Tellus – Dickson Mbi’s drought epic thrills but strains for effect

In October, London’s vibrant dance scene welcomed the premiere of Tellus, a new choreography by Olivier Award-winning artist Dickson Mbi. Staged at Sadler’s Wells East, the production attracted a full house eager to witness the work of an artist whose roots and career are deeply entwined with the city’s multicultural fabric.

Dickson Mbi, once celebrated for his dynamic dance performances, notably in Russell Maliphant’s The Rodin Project, now channels his creative energies into choreography. Tellus reflects his dual heritage, drawing inspiration from Cameroonian folklore and the natural elements, framed within the context of a community’s struggle with drought.

The narrative opens with a tableau of communal labor, evoking pastoral imagery reminiscent of classical ballet yet infused with contemporary movement languages. Early gestures incorporate elements of krump and martial arts, showcasing the cast’s diverse expertise. This initial harmony is abruptly disrupted by the onset of drought, shifting the mood with stark red lighting and the sound of crackling fire, as the central male figure, portrayed by Moses Ward, mourns the loss of his community members.

Ward’s performance anchors the emotional core of the piece, delivering a nuanced portrayal of grief and resilience without tipping into melodrama. The choreography then transitions into a more mythological realm, inspired by Mbi’s childhood stories about Mami Wata, a powerful water deity from Cameroonian lore. This figure emerges dramatically, commanding the stage with a blend of graceful and forceful movements, her presence intensified by the sweeping fringed backdrop that interacts with her every motion.

A notable feature of Tellus is its live musical accompaniment, composed by Mbi himself and performed throughout the show. The musicians’ visibility is initially concealed but later revealed in a striking moment when the backdrop lifts, underscoring the integral role of sound in the production. However, the intermittent concealment of the ensemble diminishes the impact of this collaboration, a rare element in contemporary dance that could have been more consistently highlighted.

Throughout the performance, the ensemble oscillates between celebrating individual dancers’ unique skills and merging into a unified corps. While the collective sequences generate powerful momentum and culminate in an exhilarating crescendo, some of the distinct cultural and stylistic identities risk being overshadowed in favor of uniformity.

The journey culminates with a contemplative scene where the protagonist reconciles with nature and the deity guiding him. This moment is visually represented through an enormous animated silhouette projected onto the backdrop, which dissolves into fragments as the character reaches out, symbolizing connection and transformation. Following this, a rapid sequence of projected images introduces a complex array of natural motifs, which some may find visually overwhelming and somewhat detracting from the narrative clarity.

The ambitious scale and layered creativity of Tellus reflect the challenges faced by large-scale contemporary dance productions in the UK, particularly concerning funding and resource allocation. The work’s intricate design and diverse artistic contributions underscore the considerable effort and resilience required to bring such a vision to fruition.

Despite areas where the production feels overextended, Dickson Mbi and his company have delivered a compelling and energizing performance that resonates with themes of cultural identity, environmental crisis, and communal endurance. Tellus stands as a testament to the rich potential of London’s dance landscape, shaped by artists whose stories and artistry transcend national boundaries.

While it remains to be seen how Tellus will endure in the public imagination, its premiere at Sadler’s Wells East marks a significant moment in contemporary dance, highlighting Mbi’s evolution from remarkable dancer to visionary choreographer and storyteller.