THE PAPUAN HEARTBEAT

Founded in 2003 in Valais, Mekeo Tendances is an association dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, particularly that of the Mekeo tribe, through dance, music, and traditional arts. The association also fosters intercultural exchange between Switzerland and Papua New Guinea.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence, Mekeo Tendances is organizing a European tour, where de group will take part in international folklore festivals and present the distinctive aspects of Mekeo life and culture. Through performances, cultural workshops, exhibitions, conferences, and more, the group aims to raise awareness of Papuan culture in Europe.

The event at Fondation Opale will take place in three parts:

• Fireside Talk : presentation of the association and the project (30 minutes)
• Dance Performance in the auditorium with around fifteen Papuan dancers, followed by a stringband and bamboo music concert accompanied by a story about how the Ancestors taught the people how to dress (60 minutes)
• Introductoy Workshops : feather ornament making in the auditorium, and headband crafting using geometric patterns on tapa (palm fibre fabric), on the terrace of the foyer (90 minutes, from 10 years old)

The Papuan dancers will be present during the workshops to share a drink in the foyer.

Performance: CHF 15.–
Workshop: CHF 20.– | Mimimum age : 10

Booking required: online ticketing for performance and workshop