At a mysterious crossroads, a traveller must decide which way to turn. Watching over them is a powerful rooster, while nearby waits Eshu – the playful and unpredictable trickster spirit who delights in mischief, surprises and unexpected possibilities. As the journey unfolds, the traveller encounters challenges, moments of joy and new ways of seeing the world around them.
Afro-Cuban choreographer Miguel Altunaga joins forces with pioneering puppetry company Theatre-Rites for a vibrant family adventure inspired by Yorubic culture, myth and storytelling. Blending dance, live performance and puppetry, Eshu at the Crossroads invites audiences into a magical world where every choice can change your path.
Drawing on storytelling traditions rooted in Yoruba culture, Altunaga’s choreography combines with Theatre-Rites’ imaginative visual theatre to create a rich, sensory experience for audiences of all ages. Music, movement and puppetry come together in a production that celebrates curiosity, courage and the importance of embracing the unknown.
Created for everyone aged 5+, Eshu at the Crossroads is a warm, funny and thought-provoking introduction to dance and theatre for families to experience together.
A teaser of Eshu at the Crossroads
Please note: Eshu at the Crossroads will be newly adapted for indoor theatre performances during Dance Umbrella Festival!
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Theatre-Rites
Theatre Company
Theatre-Rites
Theatre Company
Theatre-Rites is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and field leader in the creation of beautiful and thought-provoking theatre for children, which often explores complex issues such as migration, the climate crisis and neuroscience.
Celebrated for their use of puppetry under the leadership of puppetry expert Dr Sue Buckmaster, Theatre-Rites are acclaimed nationally and internationally. They create touring productions and immersive, site-responsive productions that stir the imagination and stimulate thought, and have attracted high profile commissioners including Schauspielhaus Bochum, Salzburg Festival, Manchester International Festival, Barbican, Sadler’s Wells and Ruhrtriennale Festival.
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Sue Buckmaster
Artistic Director
Sue Buckmaster (she/her)
Artistic Director
London (UK)
Sue Buckmaster is the Artistic Director of Theatre-Rites, a puppetry expert and the fifth generation of theatre practitioners in her family.
She is known for her unique puppet whispering technique and her work exploring animism.
Sue has created over 30 site-specific and theatre productions for Theatre-Rites including MIF17’s The Welcoming Party.
She has worked with a wide variety of companies as a dramaturg and director including the National Theatre and the Akram Khan Company.
Sue holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex and is the co-author of Theatre-Rites: Animating Puppets, Objects and Sites with Dr Liam Jarvis. She is an Advisor for Sadler’s Wells and Polka Theatre.
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Miguel Altunaga
Choreographer, Movement Director & Dancer
Miguel Altunaga (he/him)
Choreographer, Movement Director & Dancer
London (UK)
Miguel Altunaga is a Cuban-British choreographer, movement director and dancer whose international career spans leading companies including Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, Rambert, Hofesh Shechter Company, Akram Khan Company and Lost Dog.
As a choreographer and movement director he has created work for organisations including Phoenix Dance Theatre, Royal Ballet and Opera, the Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Acosta Danza, Tate Modern, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Theatre-Rites, Emergence Dance, Hampshire Youth Dance Company and Holland Dance Festival. His work combines contemporary, classical and Afro-Cuban influences.
Miguel’s achievements include the Cuban Best Male Solo Award and nominations at the Critic’s Circle National Dance Awards in the UK for Outstanding Male Performance, Best Dancer, and Best Modern Choreography.
He has also served as a judge for BBC Young Dancer, supporting emerging artistic talent.
Gallery
Credit Katherine Mager
Presented by Dance Umbrella, The Albany, CASA at Brixton House and The Place
Cast & Creative +
- Sue Buckmaster
Director - Miguel Altunaga
Choreographer - Domenico Angarano
Composer - Naomi Oppenheim
Puppet Maker - Xia Husbands, Edie Edmundson, Amari Webb-Martin
Performers
Credits +
Presented by Dance Umbrella, The Albany, CASA at Brixton House and The Place
Originally supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival, Birmingham Weekender and Brighton Festival
Venue & Access +
The Albany
Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG
How to get there
Access info
Brixton House
385 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8GL
How to get there
Access info
The Place
17 Duke’s Road, London WC1H 9PY
How to get there
Access info
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