MOSES

Evocative and inspiring contemporary dance piece. (Review by Sifiso Sikhakhane)

Mhayise Productions brings to this year’s National Arts Festival a very evocative and inspiring contemporary dance piece titled Moses.

As I walked into the space, I felt as if I had entered a danger zone. The space dominated by industrial barrier tape made me aware of the boundaries which were about to be revealed within the piece.

Created by Durban based choreographer Musa Hlatshwayo, Moses is a multimedia installation choreo-poem addressing issues of political identity in a period that is post Thabo Mbeki’s “I am an African” speech. The work follows a socio-political dream that unfolds into an experience led by two young men and two females whose journey leads them to challenges that rob them of their innocence.

“A number of people who were involved in the struggle still walk in the streets dressed up in their army wear,” says Hlatshwayo, “this is their form of identity, and a medal they are still holding on to.” Drawing inspiration from such experiences, Hlatshwayo then decided to use army boots for this particular piece, revealing to us how people are still affected by past experiences.

His aim was to make the audience aware of the fact that the human race is still under construction. They are still in search for that hero who will lead them to freedom just like the bible prophet Moses who led the Israelites out of Egypt. This is why he decided to use the barrier tape as a way of exposing the boundaries amongst people. “When I walk in the streets as a black man, chances are I am still regarded as a potential hijacker.”

Musa Hlatshwayo borrows poetry by Lebo Mashile, Ingrid Jonker and former President Thabo Mbeki. The sound scapes such as the throat singing and the visuals used add on to the beauty of the piece. Dancers Ngcebo Nzama, Sikelela Magxala, Phumzile Masina, Busi Deyi and Hlatswayo himself did a very plausible job. – Sifiso Sikhakhane