Community Takeover with AkomaAsa Arts

Children in a community hall performing a drumming and dance routine, wearing colourful patterned trousers and white tops, with several large hand drums arranged across a wooden floor.

AkomaAsa Arts, in collaboration with Sadler’s Wells East, invites you and your family to a vibrant Community Takeover Day.

This joyful, family-focused event celebrates African, Caribbean and Western dance traditions, bringing people together through rhythm, movement and shared cultural experience.

AkomaAsa Arts brings a vibrant day of dance, drumming, acting, choir, and open participation, inviting children, young people and families to move, make music, play, learn and create together.

Designed for all ages, the day offers a welcoming space where children, young people (aged 5 – 16 years) and adults can participate, play, learn and connect.

Header image © Foteini Christofilopoulou

Saturday 26 September
11:30am – 4:30pm

The Dance Floor,
Sadler’s Wells East

Open to all – Free family workshops

What to expect

Acting & Devising Workshop
A collaborative session for parents and young people. Explore storytelling, character creation and improvisation through accessible devising exercises that build confidence, imagination, play and teamwork.

Djembe & Dundun Drumming Workshops
Join AkomaAsa artists for two interactive 45‑minute sessions. These hands‑on workshops invite participants to explore traditional rhythms together in a fun and Hands‑on African drumming exploring rhythmic patterns, hand technique, and stick work. Led by AkomaAsa artists, this energetic workshop invites participants to build confidence, listen deeply, and enjoy collective music‑making.

Toddler Takeover
A playful 30‑minute exploration for little ones. Toddlers enjoy sound, movement, drum play, and free expression in a relaxed, sensory‑rich environment.

Kafu Participation & Performance
A dynamic rotating session where audiences become participants in a welcoming space for all ages to experience rhythm, movement, celebrate voices and community. Including:

Watch a short Kafu performance by AkomaAsa young people and company members
Learn sections of the choreography and drumming
Move freely between observing and joining in

Choir with Miss Rain
A warm, uplifting singing session where families join together in harmony. Participants learn basic vocal and group singing skills and enjoy joyful collective sound.

Schedule

11:30am – 12:05pm (35 min)	Acting & Devising Workshop / With Mr Alphonso
12:15pm – 12:50pm (35 min)	Djembe & Dundun Drumming
13:00pm – 2pm (30 min)	Toddler Takeover – West African Drumming 5 – 8yrs
2:10pm – 2:50pm (40 min)	Kafu – Drum & Movement Workshop / With Akosua and Henri
2:50pm – 3:25pm	Contemporary Dance Workshop
3:30pm – 4pm (30min)	Performance time! Including a live choir, contemporary, hip hop and singing solos – as well as mass drumming and a freestyle dance circle!