News Summary

New Orleans is abuzz with anticipation as Gaudanse prepares to unveil its latest performance ‘Nanibu’ on April 18, 2025. Held at the Marigny Opera House, this unique dance piece blends movement, storytelling, and sound, exploring themes of tradition and sacrifice. Created by Imani Gaudin, the performance invites audiences to experience Nanibu’s emotional journey through grief and destiny. Tickets are available now, ranging from $10 to $40. Don’t miss this chance to witness a remarkable artistic celebration!

New Orleans Welcomes the Premiere of ‘Nanibu’ at Marigny Opera House!

New Orleans is buzzing with excitement as Gaudanse, the renowned nonprofit dance and performing arts organization, is getting ready to unveil its latest work, Nanibu, on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 8 pm! This highly anticipated performance will take place at the historic Marigny Opera House, located at 725 St Ferdinand Street. If you’re a fan of dance and storytelling, this is an event that promises to captivate the audience from start to finish.

What to Expect: A Journey Through Dance

Nanibu is not just your ordinary dance performance; it’s a vivid blend of movement, text, sound, and immersive staging that invites the audience into a world rich with themes of tradition, love, and sacrifice. Set in the enchanting kingdom of Nagaua, the story centers around Nanibu’s poignant journey as she navigates through grief, duty, and destiny while reigning in mourning. This powerful narrative challenges traditional storytelling and reimagines fantasy and mythical worlds, especially grounded in the experiences of Black bodies.

Meet the Talent Behind the Magic

The creative genius behind this endeavor is none other than Imani Gaudin, the Founding Artistic Director of Gaudanse. An imaginative, multidisciplinary performing artist, choreographer, and creative director, Gaudin is dedicated to making performing arts accessible and sustainable. She has a remarkable background, having honed her craft at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and earning a degree from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, SUNY. Her body of work speaks volumes, and she’s received multiple accolades, including the Bert Terborgh Dance Award and the Delta Sigma Theta Artie-Rising Star Award. Gaudin’s ability to weave compelling tales through dance makes Nanibu a must-see!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Tickets for this unique performance range from $10 to $40 depending on your seating preferences, and they are available for purchase now, so don’t wait too long! With such a broad price range, there’s something for everyone, making it easy for the community to participate in this artistic celebration.

A Creative Journey to ‘Nanibu’

Before bringing Nanibu to life, Gaudin recently presented a collaboration with visual artist Jakob Vitale titled jakob&imani at Bella Abzug Park in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. She is also currently collaborating with TRIBE under the direction of Shamel Pitts. However, her insightfully developed works, including mamihlapinatapai, have garnered attention during her tenure as an Artist in Residence at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park. Anticipation is definitely building as she channels all her innovative ideas into making Nanibu a remarkable experience!

More Arts Events to Mark Your Calendars

In addition to Nanibu, the artistic landscape of New Orleans is bursting with events. The Crescent City Stage announced its 2025 season, kicking off with the regional premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things. The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival starts on Sunday, March 23, featuring the famed Stella Shouting Contest. And don’t forget to check out Hamilton at the Saenger Theatre starting April 8 with an incredible digital lottery for tickets available at just $10!

So now’s the time to embrace the arts in New Orleans! With Gaudanse’s Nanibu at the helm, there’s no telling what unforgettable moments await at the Marigny Opera House. Mark your calendars and get your tickets, because an enchanting journey is just around the corner!