The joyful and imaginative Eshu at the Crossroads will tour across London this October as part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2026, bringing together dance, live performance and puppetry in a vibrant family adventure inspired by Yorubic culture, myth and storytelling.
Created by Afro-Cuban choreographer Miguel Altunaga in collaboration with pioneering puppetry company Theatre-Rites, Eshu at the Crossroads invites audiences into a magical world where every choice can change the path ahead.
At a mysterious crossroads, a traveller must decide which way to turn. Watching over the journey is a powerful rooster, while nearby waits Eshu, the playful and unpredictable trickster spirit who delights in mischief, surprises and unexpected possibilities.
Blending contemporary movement, puppetry and theatrical storytelling, Eshu at the Crossroads explores themes of choice, transformation and imagination, offering families and young audiences aged five and above an immersive performance experience.
Altunaga’s international career spans leading companies including Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, Rambert, Hofesh Shechter Company, Akram Khan Company and Lost Dog. As a choreographer and movement director, his work has been created for organisations including Royal Ballet and Opera, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Acosta Danza, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, and Theatre-Rites, combining contemporary, classical and Afro-Cuban influences.
The production is created in collaboration with Theatre-Rites, led by Artistic Director Sue Buckmaster. A puppetry expert known for her innovative approach to animating puppets, objects and performance spaces, Buckmaster has created more than 30 site-specific and theatre productions for Theatre-Rites and has worked with organisations including the National Theatre and Akram Khan Company.
Eshu at the Crossroads will tour to The Albany on Saturday 24 October, CASA at Brixton House on Sunday 25 October, and The Place on Tuesday 27 October as part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2026, which runs across London from 7–27 October.
Suitable for audiences aged five and above, Eshu at the Crossroads offers families the opportunity to experience a playful fusion of dance, puppetry and storytelling. Ticket prices and show times vary. For tickets and further information, visit danceumbrella.co.uk.
