Bold, multidisciplinary artist Nancy Denis presents 'M'ap Boulé' as part of Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast. It's an original play exploring ancestry, and Nancy's journey to embracing her identity.
Nancy has worked across theatre, television, film and music. . . With works spanning Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Ensemble Theatre and Hayes Theatre Company.
In 'M'ap Boulé', Nancy sings of being a child born of immigrants, growing up in a country called Australia. She shares funny, pivotal stories framed by the pain and joy she carries from her self-liberated ancestors, who revolted against their colonisers and created the first Black-led republic of Haiti.
Here, ahead of its Horizon Festival season, Nancy lists five ways the production connects to culture.
One
'M'ap Boulé' is an Australian story, my story. We are one but we are many, yah feel me? I have Haitian blood but I was born and raised here, and 'M'ap Boulé' shares this story of kinship and a DEEP respect to Country and the rightful owners of these lands.
Image © Jacquie Manning
Two
It’s a story about a child born from immigrants (ME! Nancy Denis!) finding her sense of freedom and belonging. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, or ever felt like they didn’t belong, or anyone who needs a little reminder that what they offer the world is beautiful.
Three
On that. . . M'ap Boulé talks about luurve, and finding love, and the inevitable and HIGHLY relatable journey of self-love.
Four
I talk about The Ancestors. In this renaissance of people connecting and understanding our old ones from before and how they live through us, we celebrate those who walk beside us, guiding us and caring for us.
Image © Jacquie Manning
Five
For all you spiritual girlies looking for the answers, 'M'ap Boulé', through song, spoken word and chit chat, explores the roller coaster journey of the health of our minds and the important practice of finding joy.
'M'ap Boulé' is on at Black Box Theatre (The Old Ambulance Station, Nambour) for Horizon Festival on 2-3 May.
