# Dickson Mbi’s Tellus blends dance and music in an appeal to Earth goddess

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/this-mighty-cry-for-a-goddess-to-help-earth-proves-dickson-mbi-is-a-bold-force-in-dance/
- Published: 2026-10-22T13:48:55+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T14:03:59+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/oct/22/dickson-mbi-company-tellus-dance-review-sadlers-wells-east-london
- Topics: Americas, Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- Dickson Mbi’s *Tellus* is a more assured work than his previous major piece.
- Live music and dance combine in a folk tale about environmental crisis.
- The show draws on Mbi’s Cameroonian heritage and calls for care for Earth.

## Summary

Dickson Mbi’s new dance work, *Tellus*, uses music and movement to tell a folk tale about environmental turmoil and the search for hope. Drawing on his Cameroonian heritage, the piece shows Mbi developing into a more assured choreographer and composer, with a visceral performance centred on reconnecting with the Earth.

The story follows a lost figure and a community affected by fire and drought, who appeal to the goddess Mami-Wata for help. Eight performers dance to a live score composed by Mbi, blending influences including hip-hop, contemporary, South Asian and classical dance. The production features vivid group rituals and distinctive solo performances, with visuals by YeastCulture; it is at Sadler’s Wells East until 24 October.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.