Zayo at Meridian Arts Centre

From March 13- 15, 2026, dance Immersion and TO Live proudly present the world premiere of ZAYO by Esie Mensah Creations. ZAYO is an Afrofusion dance-theatre work rooted in ancestral wisdom and the courage to follow one’s calling. Created over eight years, the piece follows a heroine on a hero’s journey as she leaves the familiar, faces trials and sacrifice, and confronts fear to claim her power. Through this journey, ancestral memory is awakened and a chosen destiny is embraced. ZAYO reveals what it takes to step into purpose and emerge transformed. 

At the heart of ZAYO is Esie Mensah’s Afrofusion choreography, shaped by lived experience, ancestral knowledge, and contemporary expression. Drawing from traditional and contemporary West African movement, modern dance, and theatrical elements, the choreography functions as both memoir and ritual. Through ZAYO, Esie reimagines African storytelling aesthetics for the contemporary stage, expanding how African narratives, bodies, and spiritual traditions are experienced today.

ZAYO is choreographed by Esie Mensah, with set and costume design by Rachel Forbes and Jawon Kang, lighting design by Simon Rossiter, and dramaturgy by Tawiah Ben M’Carthy. The work features a powerful ensemble of Toronto-based dance artists, including Esie Mensah, Rose-Mary Harbans, Kwasi Obeng-Adjei, Monique Pascall, Eilish Shin-Culhane, and JA.Marie, with composition and live music by Yohance Parsons and sound design by Daniel Tessy.