Lamine Sonko
Lamine Sonko is a guewel of the Sing Sing clan and the Korings of Kaabu, and a member of the Wolof and Mandinka cultural communities of Senegal. As a guewel, his role is to serve as a custodian of sacred knowledge through multi-art forms. His artistic practice is shaped by a lifetime of learning and embodying this cultural knowledge within his community, under the guidance of his elders. An interdisciplinary artist working across theatre, film and music, Sonko reimagines the synthesis of traditional African and contemporary arts, offering new perspectives on how we perceive and understand the world around us.

Aminata Sarr
Aminata Sarr is a renowned dancer and actor with the National Theatre of Senegal. As a lead performer with the resident company La Linguère, she has become a key figure in Senegal’s performing arts community, while also appearing in various films. With over a decade of experience, Sarr has graced both Senegalese and international stages, earning widespread acclaim for her compelling presence and expressive artistry. Her work highlights the traditional cultural dance practices of Senegal.

Ndik Sene
Ndik Sene is a distinguished ritii player (traditional violin) and actor, known for his exceptional contribution to Senegalese music and theatre. For over 20 years, he has been a core member of the National Theatre of Senegal's traditional music ensemble and has performed in theatres and festivals across Senegal and internationally. His expertise with the ritii, combined with his deep knowledge of ceremonial ritual arts practices, has earned him widespread recognition as a key figure in preserving and promoting Senegalese cultural heritage.

Aziz Ngom
Aziz Ngom is a Senegalese musician and dancer and an expert in traditional sabar drumming. Born into a guewel family, Ngom began his cultural and artistic practice at a young age and is recognized nationally for his mastery of complex rhythmic patterns in sabar percussion. Over the years, Ngom has performed prominently with the National Theatre of Senegal, where he has led percussion and vocal ensembles, combining the preservation of traditional music with innovative new interpretations.

Awa Coulibaly
Awa Coulibaly is a principal dancer with the National Theatre of Senegal’s resident dance company, La Linguère. Known for her exceptional power and physicality, she has become a leading figure in the world of traditional Senegalese dance. With a career spanning over a decade, Awa has performed both across Senegal and internationally, captivating audiences and elevating the global recognition of Senegalese dance traditions.

“Seven years ago, we embarked on a journey to explore an ancient African cosmovision—an understanding of the universe that illuminates the transformative dimensions of traditional knowledge. Guewel stands as the centerpiece of this multi-art form exploration.

Through numerous journeys between Australia and Senegal, we have immersed ourselves in practice-based research, forming deep connections with cultural elders and communities to embody the essence of these knowledge systems.

The work holds profound significance, not only from a cultural standpoint but also in its ability to preserve the lineage and heritage it represents. Through this project, director Lamine Sonko fulfills his role as a traditional custodian of this knowledge, ensuring its continuity and relevance in the contemporary world.

Rooted in consultation, research, and cultural exchange, Guewel seeks to explore how cosmology, and metaphysical principles shape our perception of existence, while also challenging colonial narratives that have historically marginalized embodied and oral traditions. In this process, the work embodies new models of creative collaboration, prioritizing long-term community involvement and fostering innovative approaches to cultural practice.”

- Lamine Sonko

Director: Lamine Sonko
Producer: Olive Moynihan
Performer: Awa Coulibaly
Performer: Aminata Sarr
Performer: Aziz Ngom
Performer: Ndik Sene
Performer: Anita Quayle
Projection Design: Rhian Hinkley
Sound Design: Roger Alsop, Thomas ‘Soup’ Campbell
Visual Artist: Kine Aw
Costume Design: Lamine Diatta
Set Design: Suzie Bates
Associate Producers: Sophia Kostava, Tanya Mclaine
Assistant Directors: Karen Berger, Dave Joseph
Cultural Elders: Oumy Sene, Bouly Sonko, Abibou Mbay