(Editor’s Apology: This review does not appear to have been loaded to artSMart. Apologies to all) (Pic by Val Adamson: Madala Kunene, Sifiso Khumalo and Kajal Bagwandeen)
Multi-award winning Flatfoot Dance Company does it again! (Review by Caroline Smart)
Bhakti is the Sanskrit word for devotion. This is the title of an hour-long intercultural dance theatre work presented by Flatfoot Dance Company supported by KZN DanceLink which is currently enjoying a short season in the Playhouse.
Several months ago Flatfoot’s Artistic Director, choreographer Lliane Loots, invited classically trained Indian dancers to collaborate with Flatfoot in a work that comprised contemporary and Indian classical dance as well as music, film and the spoken word. Featuring a multi-talented company from diverse styles, Bhakti aims to offer “a unique journey into the meeting of Eastern mystical philosophy and African contemporary dance rhythms”.
Describing it as “a long dance prayer or devotion offered to gods, goddesses and ancestors alike”, Lliane Loots has drawn on her journeys to the East as well as her love of Africa to produce “a work about joy, light and the simple and yet deeply complex devotion of dance and theatre making”. She has certainly succeeded. Bhakti is emotionally moving, uninterrupted and dignified yet passionate, all the while allowing the strengths of each dancer to be explored.
Making a welcome guest appearance alongside Flatfoot’s Jabu Siphika, Nomusa Ngubane, Nobuhle Khawula, Thobeka Quvane, Vusi Makanya, Sifiso Khumalo, S’fiso Magesh Ngcobo and Mlondolozi Zondi is much-loved Ntombi Gasa, Siwela Sonke’s award-winning choreographer and skilled in classical Indian dance herself.
Combining this powerful set of talents with the grace of celebrated classical Indian dancers Pravika Nandkishore, Evashnee Pillay, Kymmona Maharajh and Kajal Bagwandeen all makes for a powerful whole.
The trio of musicians blend their various styles into the work, beginning in classical Indian style with Vishen Kemraj on the tabla player, followed by legendary guitarist Madala Kunene playing maskanda and then joined by master djembe drummer Mandla Matsha who also plays the flute.
Holding the work together is Iain ewok Robinson in a gentler mood from his usual hip-hop funky rhythms as he moves into a more reflective mode speaking Rumi’s poetry, creating what he calls “spoken-word-Rumi-rhymes”. Behind all this, Karen Logan’s screened images of marigolds, hand mudras and ancient texts add to the spiritual feel of the work as does Wesley Maherry’s atmospheric lighting design.
Bhakti only has two more performances in the Playhouse Drama, on November 6 at 19h30 and November 7 at 15h00. Tickets R65 (R45 student/scholar/pensioner with group bookings of more than 10 tickets at R55 pp). Booking through Computicket or at the door (pending availability). If you’re interested in dance fusion, you’ll be transported to beautiful space by this one! – Caroline Smart
KZN DanceLink and Flatfoot Dance Company acknowledge the support of the National Arts Council of South Africa, HIVOS, and the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund.
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