Congolese Countertenor Serge Kakudji joins 12 musicians from Kinshasa to refashion some of the greats of baroque music with pop, rock, jazz and a dizzying dose of Congolese vitality. Coup Fatal is a tribute not so much to baroque music as to the unrelenting elegance of the Congolese: a mad, defiant party that makes you want to live.

It’s a party inspired by the flamboyant sapeurs, the dandies of Kinshasa who blank out the horrors of war and violence with a penchant for extravagance and exuberance. This is quintessential baroque: an emphasis on cocky elegance as a way to challenge fate.

Brussels composer Fabrizio Cassol and guitarist Rodriguez Vangama are the musical directors, while director Alain Platel, one of the world’s great dance theatre makers and the creator Out of Context – for Pina seen at Brisbane Festival in 2011, teamed up with dancer Romain Guion to create the theatrical form. The set is designed in collaboration with the artist Freddy Tsimba, who creates vast sculptures using cartridge cases he collects in Congolese war zones.

This event is taking place as part of the Brisbane Festival.