Artist Focus 2025: Dorothée Munyaneza

«I am trying to become a living, breathing archive.»*

Dorothée Munyaneza is a musician, author, choreographer and performer. She is considered one of the most impressive voices of contemporary performing art in Europe today. Born in Rwanda and now living in Marseille, the multidisciplinary artist draws on her cultural heritage and combines music, song, text and movement to create a distinctive artistic expression. In her work, she deals with historical scars and experiences of rupture, which she understands as a dynamic force in processes of transformation. In doing so, she repeatedly initiates connecting conversations between artists that transcend borders. Munyaneza's deeply moving performances open up resonating spaces for memory and hope. In 2021, she inspired audiences at Zürcher Theater Spektakel with her internationally acclaimed production «Mailles», which interweaves the different stories and aesthetics of six female Afro-diasporic artists. This year, she returns to the festival with two current stage works - the dance production «umuko» and the solo performance «Toi, moi, Tituba…». In accompanying workshops and talks, she provides further insights into the practice, thinking, influences and attitudes behind her multi-faceted artistic work. The Rwandan musicians Impakanizi & Jean-Patient «Nkubana» Akayezu, contributors to the piece «umuko», can also be experienced live in a concert on the Zentral stage. 

READ MORE

 «The Physical Body as Archive» 
Interview with Dorothée Munyaneza by Marta Piras