Laval's Place Bell hosts free West African epic dance spectacle
Choreographer Aly Keita explores the legend of Soundjata Keita through dance and live music this Sunday, blending African traditions with contemporary movement.
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Choreographer Aly Keita brings a free West African dance performance to Laval's Place Bell on August 25, exploring the legendary figure of Soundjata Keita, a king of the Mali empire.
The work, "Djata. Conversations du Manden," draws from the epic of Sundjata, a foundational narrative in West African history transmitted orally by griots — traditional storytellers and historians. Keita's piece sits at the intersection of African cultural traditions and contemporary dance language, examining the connections between memory, identity and heritage.
The performance is accompanied by musician Salif Sanou. The work emerges from Keita's artistic practice of translating historical and cultural narratives into movement, treating dance as a medium for preserving and reinterpreting collective memory. The spectacle unfolds at Laval's main civic venue, making it accessible to the broader metropolitan region.
Admission is free. The performance takes place at Parvis de la Place Bell, at the civic square — no tickets required.
Before you go
When and where is this performance?
The performance takes place on August 25, 2026 at Parvis de la Place Bell, the civic square at Place Bell in Laval.
Is there a cost to attend?
Admission to 'Djata. Conversations du Manden' at Place Bell is free and no tickets are required.
What is this performance about?
'Djata. Conversations du Manden' explores the legend of Soundjata Keita, a king of the Mali empire, through dance and live music, blending West African cultural traditions with contemporary movement.
