Breaks, Rhyme & Reason: Coolness in Theatre of the African Diaspora with NSangou Njikam 🎭✨

Aug 26

Step into a powerful exploration of theatre, storytelling, and cultural aesthetics with acclaimed playwright and performer NSangou Njikam (Syncing Ink, A Freeky Introduction, When We Left). Since 2001, Njikam has drawn on the aesthetics of West and Central African performance traditions, bringing forward an innovative and deeply resonant practice.

At the heart of this journey is the concept of Coolness—a state of balance, harmony, and presence that shapes storytelling, playwriting, and character creation. In this four-week course, Njikam invites participants to embrace this aesthetic, transforming not only how they create, but how they understand their own artistic voice.

👉 By the end, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of “rhyme and reason” in your creative practice.

What You’ll Experience

This course is designed as an interactive and joyful exploration of theatre-making, where participants will:

Discover “Coolness” as Practice
Learn how balance, rhythm, and harmony rooted in African performance traditions can inform storytelling and character development.
Create Short Scenes & Characters
Apply new tools directly through scene work, character exercises, and collaborative exploration.
Engage in Playful Games
Experience the creative process as light, enjoyable, and deeply effective—unlocking fresh ideas for your art.

Course Structure

📅 When & How: Four sessions, each 2 hours long, held virtually via Zoom.
📆 Dates: Coming soon! Stay tuned for updates.
💻 Format: Live, interactive, and community-centered.

Who This Course Is For

This course is intentionally designed as a safe and empowering space for BIPOC-identifying folx only. Urban Haiku is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and uplifting stories that reflect the diversity of our world.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone just beginning their creative journey, this experience will encourage you to embrace your cultural roots and artistic power with confidence.

Tuition & Sliding Scale Pricing 💵

We believe in accessibility, equity, and justice. To ensure this course is available to a wide range of participants, pricing is offered on a sliding scale ($300–$500):

$500 – Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Suggested Rate
Ideal for those with financial stability (steady employment, reliable access to food, shelter, transportation, and healthcare). Paying at this level also helps support another BIPOC participant with fewer resources.
$400 – Standard Rate
For those with some debt or occasional financial strain, but still employed with partial access to healthcare and savings.
$300 – Supported Rate
For those under- or unemployed, or with significant financial barriers such as healthcare or shelter expenses.

✨ Can’t afford the full cost? Contact us to explore payment plans, work-exchange/trade options, or other arrangements.

Why This Matters

Breaks, Rhyme & Reason is more than a class—it’s a creative community rooted in heritage, balance, and empowerment. By engaging with Njikam’s approach, you’ll not only develop new artistic skills but also connect to a legacy of African Diaspora storytelling that centers resilience, rhythm, and innovation.

Reserve Your Spot

Spaces are limited for this unique virtual offering. Pre-register now to secure your place and begin your journey into the Coolness of theatre and storytelling.

👉 Learn more and sign up at Urban Haiku

Awais Raza