Those roots within

“Those Roots Within is a contemporary dance duet created by Alida Esmail, Sophia Wright, and Hodan Youssouf.  Themes of minority identities and immigration come alive through movement, signed music, vibrations, and lighting while Esmail and Youssouf transform the stage into a world map, retracing their ancestors’ steps. Their paths come in and out of sync, offering a reflection on intersection, disconnection, and family history. Esmail and Youssouf exist in their respective realities as they negotiate with the world around them. Every time their trajectories cross, it allows for a reflection on allyship and the effort necessary to bring such diverse experiences into communication.

LSQ and ASL interpreters are on hand 1h before and 1h after each performance.”

Premiered at the MAI Centre, Feb 2025.