Kennedy Junior Muntanga, a nominee for the National Dance Awards 2025, will showcase his innovative solo piece, Akropolis I, at the Drill Hall in Chepstow on February 21, 2025. This performance explores themes of migration, memory, and resistance through a dynamic narrative that reflects the complexities of diasporic identity.
Presented by Rigour Arts, Akropolis I delves into fractured identities and survival as seen through the lens of the African diaspora. The piece introduces four compelling characters— the Hare, the Lion, Eva, and the Commander—each representing a distinct legacy related to migration and memory. Muntanga describes the work as “charged, physical, and cinematic,” marking the beginning of an ambitious trilogy focused on the realities faced by diasporic communities across generations.
Muntanga, a Zambian-born choreographer and artistic director based in the UK, is recognized for his commitment to storytelling and movement research. His artistic journey began at the age of 16 with a focus on musical theatre, later joining the Phoenix Dance Theatre Youth Company and the National Youth Dance Company at 17. He further honed his craft at the Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, where he was accepted in 2016. His career has included performances with esteemed artists such as Akram Khan, Humanhood, and Michael Keegan-Dolan.
In addition to his performance work, Muntanga has taken on significant leadership roles, including serving as the Artistic Director of Trinity Laban’s Youth Dance Company and as Rehearsal Director for ACE Dance & Music. These positions have allowed him to guide dancers and influence creative processes at a high level.
Rigour Arts, the organization behind this production, is led by Ruth Holdsworth, a seasoned producer and arts organization director known for her national and international work. Recent projects have included performances at the Southbank Centre in London, highlighting the organization’s commitment to innovative and engaging arts programming.
Tickets for Akropolis I are available for purchase through the Drill Hall’s website, with the performance set to begin at 19:00. This event promises to be a powerful exploration of identity and resilience through the transformative medium of dance.
