What rules apply in this newly created nation? What roles do people and objects play? What kind of laws would a kettle enact? What power lies in the absurdity of the redundantly sung SORRY? In how many ways can one apologise without acknowledging? How much blackness does the Black Forest gateau contain? What mediation potential can theatre develop with regard to processes of reparation? Objects and ensemble lay claim to a new state in which behavioural patterns are subverted and constructive chaos enables a visionary way of thinking.

REPARATION NATION: An immersive dance theatre production by South African choreographer Jessica Nupen about ownership, origin and the rightful place for goods looted during the colonial era. (Premiere: 26.09.2024 at Kampnagel, Hamburg)

‘90% of Africa’s material cultural heritage was shipped out of the continent during the colonial era for the same reason it is exhibited today. They are magnificent and of exceptional value, and their presence would make any country in which they are exhibited richer.’ Dipo Faloyin, author of ‘Africa is not a country’

With contemporary and hip-hop dance, opera, visual arts, live soundscapes, electronic polyrhythmic beats and an interactive installation, REPARATION NATION is an ambitious dance theatre production that challenges the future vision for European and African history. REPARATION NATION is developed with and by BiPoC* and POAD** artists from Senegal, Namibia, Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana, the African diaspora in Hamburg and the Sri Lankan diaspora in Berlin. The Jessica Nupen production, which opens the season at Kampnagel in September 2024, is realised in collaboration with the Namibian visual artist Vitjitua Ndjiharine in the role of curator and the German director Maria Isabel Hagen.

The production takes the African perspective as its central starting point and poses questions about the absence of cultural heritage on the African continent, power imbalances and public perception of African narratives today. In an intimate setting, the audience is invited to witness a performative dialogue that poses challenging questions and incites heated exchange.

For their research, the team travelled to Senegal, Namibia and South Africa for three weeks to visit the participating artists in their local surroundings, museums and cultural landscapes. This resulted in a film documentary, as well as stunning imagery interviews, which form part of the final, immersive performance at Kampnagel.

The renowned artist William Kentridge is Nupen’s mentor and accompanies the production in an advisory capacity.

*BIPoC Black People, Indigenous People and People of Colour **POAD People of African Descent

Performance dates

Thu, 26 – Sun, 29 Sep 2024 as part of the season opening 24/25
Venue: Kampnagel, Hamburg

Supported by

Elbkulturfonds der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg – Behörde für Kultur und Medien, Mara & Holger Cassens-Stiftung, Fonds Darstellende Künste with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media in the NEUSTART KULTUR programme and Zeit Stiftung

Cooperation partners

include Kampnagel, ethnological and art-historical Musée des civilisations noires, University of Hamburg, Museum für Kunst & Gewerbe Hamburg and the Kulturen der Welt collection of the Lübeck museums, École des Sables – International Centre for Traditional and Contemporary African Dances, Molemo Moiloa (Open Restitution Africa), Njoki Ngumi (The Nest Collective) artist