Nancy Denis burns bright in M’ap Boulè

If the thought of a one-person show makes you feel a little short-changed, never fear – Nancy Denis is an entire theatre troupe swirling inside a tornado of sparking energy. In her unique play/cabaret/stand-up/memoir, M’ap Boulè, Denis shares stories of her childhood and early adulthood, telling tales of trauma and hilarity through animated re-enactment, song, and improvisation.

Denis is Australian-born from Haitian parents and has the typically hybrid upbringing of a child of immigrants. Her Haitian heritage runs thick through her veins but she has absorbed all the idiosyncrasies of Aussie culture and it all goes to informing her world view and her very intuitive, razor-sharp wit.

“M’ap boulè” is an Haitian phrase, usually used in response to the question “how are you?”. It loosely means “I’m fine” but literally means “I’m on fire”. In Denis’ case, it means the girl is sizzling!

Using as a backdrop, the Haitian revolution (1791 to 1804) in which Black slave rose up triumphantly against French and British colonial oppressors. It is recognised as the only such revolution that resulted in a free sovereign state ruled by non-whites. 

“The Haitian revolution is the largest and most successful rebellion in the Western Hemisphere, the first Black Republic, it has played a huge role in shaping Haitian culture,” says Denis. “M’ap Boulé is an expression of my journey on the search of belonging on a colonised country. Inspired and fuelled by my Ancestors’ spirit, might and resolve to ensure their legacy.”

December 6 – 9

Eternity Playhouse – 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst

https://www.darlinghursttheatre.com/mapboule