D A N C E
969 Festival
The best of GrahamstownAfrica Mama Yo
When: 8 – 12 September, 8:15pm
Where: Wits Spaceframe, Wits University, Braamfontein
A satire about pitching for a government tender to produce an African musical dance extravangaza at the 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP. Simon Dunne and Givon Chauke, two over-zealous candidates from Elastic Djembe Productions, present their fantastic concept to a panel of sponsors from the 2010 Africa Onstage Project. Directed by Wesley, it features Nicholas Pule Welch. 50mins.
SABT’s Giselle
When: 10 September
Where: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre complex, Braamfontein
The South African Ballet Theatre will be presenting the ballet classic Giselle at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein from 28 August to 20 September. As a part of the Joburg Arts Alive festival the SABT will bring 300 children from their Alexandra outreach ballet programme, and children from underprivileged backgrounds, to a performance of Giselle.
Dada Masilo's Carmen
When: 10 – 13 SeptemberWhere: Dance Factory, Newtown
Carmen “joins the list of brilliantly choreographed and danced performances accomplished by this bright star which is Masilo, and the packed house and ovation on its opening performance is…further testimony to the fact. If you have the slightest glimmer of interest in dance, you cannot miss this work of art. And if you are not interested in dance in the slightest, you must see this work, for it’ll change your mind.’ Steve, Artsblog, The National Arts Festival Blog, Thurs 2 July, 2009.
Dada Masilo takes a generally politely veiled tale of sexual violence and manipulation, and splits its seams wide…The role she adopts in Carmen fleshes her into something irrevocably more terrible and sophisticated…This Carmen is more heartless than Lady Macbeth – she can kill, she can tease, she can break men with the flick of an eyelash, the thrust of her body or the flexing of her wrists. She’s tempestuous, bold and flamboyant, and she snatches the audience attention with characteristic urgency…you cannot pull your eyes off her.’ Robyn Sassen, Cue, Fri 3 July, 2009.
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Shared History
Sarpagati: Way of the Serpent - Daksha Sheth Dance CompanyWhen: 15 and 16 September, 8pm
Where: Dance Factory, Newtown
Sarpagati is a powerful dance-theatre work that has become a landmark in contemporary Indian dance. Inspired by the significance of snake worship in Indian culture, Sarpagati draws upon rituals, myth and symbolism associated with the snake. In popular belief the snake is associated with wealth, fertility and power. In tantric symbolism, the snake represents the primal creative energy or Kundalini which lies dormant in the base of the spine, which, when aroused, ascends and activates the chakras of the subtle body. "The Way of the Serpent", specifically refers to the manifestation of this energy within the context of the lower three chakras, symbolized as the elements of Earth, Water and Fire. Earth represents the drive for material accumulation. Water represents sensuality, the drive to procreate. Fire represents power, the drive to ensure survival by domination.
Profile: Daksha Sheth Dance Company
Shared History
Shree: Nrityagram Dance EnsembleWhen: 19 and 20 September
Where: Dance Factory, Newtown
A piece of temple structure comes alive in this superbly sensuous dance piece.
Namaskriti (invocation) An excerpt from ‘Ansh’. Born of extraordinary circumstances, Ganesh is the God with the surrogate head of an elephant. Heir of mighty Shiva’s dynasty, he is the beloved son of Parvati and remover of all obstacles in our lives.
Rituvasant An excerpt from ‘Sacred Space’. A submission to the inherently lyrical form of Odissi, this dance explores the various dimensions of its abstract vocabulary.
Murali Paani (abhinaya) An excerpt from ‘Pratima: Reflection’. Abhinaya refers to the gestural language of Indian dance and theatre. Murali paani is an Oriya poem interpreted through facial expressions (bhava) and gestures (mudra).
Kuru yadu Nandan (abhinaya). A poem from the Geet Govind is interpreted through facial expressions (bhava) and gestures (mudra). Written in Sanskrit in the 12th century by the saint poet Jayadeva, the Geet Govind is a romantic ballad about the immortal love of Radha and Krishna. It is a song of love and longing that reflects the Vaishnava belief, that all of humankind is a feminine energy (Radha) constantly seeking union with the one male godhead (Krishna). After the passion play is over, Radha in a state of disarray requests her beloved Krishna, to adorn her with beautiful ornaments and clothes so that they may consummate their love once again.” And Krishna joyfully does all that she commands.
Vibhakta (the division) An excerpt from ‘Pratima: Reflection’. In the union and the separation of the male and female principle lies the secret of all creation. It is believed that creation begins when, with the power of yoga, the ONE splits into two and becomes Ardhanareshwara (half-man half-woman). In this form both halves live in perfect symphony - at once distinct and separate as well as harmonious and blended. Each acknowledges and celebrates the existence of the other.
Profile: Nrityagram Dance Ensemble
969 Festival
The best of GrahamstownYou pushed me!
When: 22 – 26 September, 7pm
Where: Wits Nunnery, Wits University, Braamfontein
This is the story of Prince, a young boy who’s on a quest to find a will to live. He has lost all hope since finding out he is HIV positive. This affirming musical play is embellished with scintillating dance pieces and alluring music. Choreographed by Mandisa Tlou and Directed by Themba Mkhoma, it features Minenhle Nene and Hlobi Mahlangu.
