Discover the Zaouli mask dance (UNESCO 2017)
The Zaouli comes from the Gouro people of Côte d'Ivoire. In 2017, UNESCO inscribed the music and dance of the Zaouli mask on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On stage, a lone masked dancer honours the memory of a beloved young woman through a hypnotic, lightning-fast footwork that seems to defy gravity. It is far more than a performance: it is a living tradition passed down through generations.
100% live music
There is no backing track. Every beat of the drums and every note of the flutes is played live, right in front of you. This raw, physical sound is the heartbeat of the Zaouli — it fills the room, sets the rhythm of the dance and gives the whole show its authenticity. For international visitors, this makes the experience instantly powerful, whatever your language.
A unique African cultural experience in Paris
- UNESCO heritage — a dance recognised worldwide for its cultural value.
- Live percussion — drums and flutes performed on stage, never recorded.
- Colour and craft — a sacred mask and vibrant traditional costumes.
- A real company — Compagnie Zaouli Paris, keeping the tradition alive on tour.
Who is it for?
This show is perfect for tourists and travellers who want to go beyond the usual sights and discover a genuine slice of African culture in the heart of Paris. It is also a wonderful outing for families: accessible from age 6, it captivates children and adults alike with its colours, its story and its music. To learn more about the tradition, read about the Zaouli and UNESCO.
How to find out about dates
Compagnie Zaouli Paris performs its creation "Zaouli, the Daughter of Djéla" at selected dates in Paris. To make sure you don't miss your chance to see this African dance show, sign up for date alerts: you'll be notified first when new performances and booking are announced.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Zaouli dance?
A mask dance from the Gouro people of Côte d'Ivoire, inscribed by UNESCO in 2017. A single dancer wears a finely carved mask and performs a mesmerizing, high-speed footwork to live percussion.
Is the show in English?
The performance is above all visual and musical, so it is fully enjoyable whatever your language. The story is told through dance, masks, colours and 100% live music.
Who is the show for?
Tourists and travellers looking for an authentic African cultural experience in Paris, as well as families: it is accessible from age 6 and captivates children and adults alike.
How can I find out about upcoming dates?
Sign up for date alerts to be the first to know when new performances are announced and booking opens.