Every so often one comes across a performer and a performance, so unique, authentic, and extraordinary, that it defies categorisation, or even a description that does it justice. Such is the case with Nancy Denis and her show M’ap Boule’.
According to Denis, the words M’ap Boul’e are Haitian Creole for I’m on Fire. Denis certainly lives up to that description, powered by her enthusiasm to spread the word on Haitian history. Who would have thought history could be so entertaining?
Although Australian born from Haitian parents, Denis’s passion for the history of her ancestors was ignited when as a small child a relative revealed that he killed people in their sleep.
From the moment Denis steps onto the stage, there’s an electric charge in the air – a sense that the audience is about to witness something both intimate and spectacular.
Her storytelling weaves personal anecdotes with broader cultural narratives, drawing the crowd into her exploration of heritage, identity, and belonging. With each shift in pace and tone, Denis blurs the line between performer and participant, inviting everyone present to share in her journey of self-discovery.
Music, movement, and memory intertwine as Denis navigates the complexities of her dual worlds – Australian and Haitian – highlighting how histories are inherited but also constantly reinvented. The raw honesty and humour she brings to every scene ensures that, even in the show’s most poignant moments, there is space for laughter and connection.
How she reconciled her life as a child in Redfern, with a mother obsessed with Young Talent Time and E Street, and stories of how her black slave ancestors revolted against French and British colonial oppressors, resulting in a free sovereign state ruled by non-whites, becomes the gist for this absorbing, delightfully frank, refreshingly uninhibited, and surprisingly educational cabaret.
Directed with insight and a gentle hand by Anthea Williams, who allows her the freedom to constantly surprise, shock and convulse her audience with her unconstrained exuberance, Denis is also armed with a repertoire of original songs by Carl St Jacques that express her passion for her ancestry.
Because besides being a compelling raconteur, Denis is also an extraordinary singer with a voice capable of raising the roof in anger or whisper sweet with compassion and empathy. A trio of accomplished colleagues surround Denis and her songs with striking accompaniments.
Rap artist, backing singer, and occasional dresser, Kween G Kibone demonstrates talent worthy of her own showcase. Similarly, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Victoria Falconer, excels on the singing saw, accordion, violin, keyboards, and just about anything else she can get her hands on, while percussionist Mick Stuart impresses with his ability to constantly alternate between drums and keyboards.
Packaged in a setting of dozens of lit candles and a large circular screen for projected images, M’ap Boule’ not only provides Denis with a compelling showcase for her many talents, which also include tap-dancing, courtesy of the Performing Arts College she attended, it also guarantees anyone lucky enough to experience it, 90 minutes of unique and captivating theatre.
M’ap Boule’
Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Performance: Friday 8 August 2025
Information: www.performinglines.org.au
Image: Victoria Falconer, Nancy Denis and Mick Stuart in M’ap Boule’ – photo by Jacquie Manning
Review: Bill Stephens OAM