Sadler’s Wells East, London
October 21, 2026
Dickson Mbi’s choreography moves to a new level with his powerful new work, Tellus which premiered at Sadler’s Wells East, a venue becoming the go-to place for exciting new dance.
Tellus is a fully immersive show, embracing movement, music and visuals. The theme is universal, the message inclusive and accessible and the quality superb. Few can deny our planet is warming after a baking hot summer and Mbi looks to the folklore of his Cameroonian heritage to explore our fractured relationship with the Earth.
Harvey Burke-Hamilton is the central figure, with an almost constant presence. His movement, rooted in street and hip-hop, together with his dramatic talents, lead us through the story. He initially joins the community as they beat out rhythms pounding the stage with cloths. He survives the heat and drought as the forest fire lights the stage a lurid red and the painful task of dragging in the bodies is left to him.
Photo RULA
The community must take stock. The image of Earth Goddess, Mami-Wati is projected as a reminder. She is then embodied in the shimmering figure of Hannah Joseph where Mbi’s choreography of liquid arms and quivering feet bringing a gentler tone. The narrative is never explicit, but the message comes across clearly in movement that is fluid, powerful and astonishingly beautiful. Mbi has chosen his dancers well, using the diversity of their talents to good advantage as they bring the essence of the story vividly to life.
The score, from Mbi himself, is played live by the trio of flute, cello and percussion behind the strip curtain that hides and reveals by turns. The music is enhanced by occasional vocals from the dancers. The theatricality is further heightened by video projections from the innovative Yeast Culture team, especially the figures which dissolved so magically into the air. Lee Curran’s lighting, the simple curtain as set decoration which was tied back and let loose by turns, all played their part to complement this top-quality show.