Robert Ssempijja

URBAN CADANCES

This lab explores the rich, multi-layered meanings behind the ubiquitous, invisible choreographies of public space. It examines how the seemingly chaotic yet rhythmic movements of pedestrians shape the urban landscape of its inhabitants. The geographical, architectural and sociological aspects of urban mobility will be explored through objects and in public space.
The Research Labs are a new series of workshops for professional dancers and choreographers that complement the K3 professional training programme. Instead of short training sessions, the aim is to deepen methods, practices and research processes.

For professional dancers

Robert Ssempijja

is a Ugandan contemporary artist, dancer, and researcher who works in traditional and non-traditional spaces in an era of post-colonialism and decolonization. Working between Africa and Europe, he studied at École des Sables (Dakar, Senegal), danced for Christoph Winkler in Berlin, had residencies at PACT Zollverein, showed his own work at Sophiensaele Berlin or received the Pina Bausch Fellowship. Through his work, he is searching for a regenerative art practice that moves away from exploitative relationships.

Departing from the colonial origins that shaped the architecture of his home town Kampala, at K3 Ssempijja will research its contemporary repercussions. The project aims to examine the enduring legacy of the city’s colonial past, the resilience of its inhabitants, and the role of structural design in shaping identity. In doing so he challenges the notion of growth and prosperity for a country, a city, and its people when their foundations were neither constructed nor intended for their benefit.

(Stand: 2024)