DAYIMANE

(Busi Deyi and Musa Hlatshwayo)

Musa Hlatshwayo’s new creation for 2011: Dayimane!

Dayimane! is the first of a trilogy that introspects Nguni identity. The trilogy seeks to question or highlight some of the issues that have been left unexplored within the formation of the Zulu Kingdom and its identity. Dayimane! particularly draws inspiration from some of the historical events within the Nguni history and focuses on the role of the Nguni cows in Nguni culture.

Choreographed and devised by the multi-award winning Musa Hlatshwayo, Dayimane! is a full-length work of approximately one hour that features a cast of five versatile performers including Hlatshwayo himself and some of Mhayise Production’s regulars such as Busi Deyi and Ngcebo Nzama.

Nzama is KZN Dancelink’s most promising dancer for 2008 and Footsteps to Fortune’s top 10 finalist for 2009. Also featured in this production are the versatile Phumzile Zondo and the eloquent award-winning Imbongi of Chief Hadebe of St Faiths; James Mbhele. Production and lighting designer Wesley Maherry also makes his return as a regular with Mhayise Productions on his illuminating stage designs. Mhayise Productions also introduces up-and-coming independent music producer Nduduzo Makhanya, whose musical creations also contribute to the soundscape of the piece.

“Dayimane! is a multi-disciplinary dance theatre piece that metaphorically explores our social, economic and cultural association with the Nguni cows and the role they play in our lives,” explains Musa Hlatshwayo. “Set in and around a cow dip, the piece fuses the use of video projection, recorded soundscapes, music, live percussion and drumming, izibongo, physical theatre, movement and dance within a frame of an African yet contemporary dance theatre performance piece.”

Dayimane! premiers at the Square Space Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from May 25 to 28 at 19h00. There will be a closing matinee on May 29 at 15h00, mainly for those patrons who rely on public transportation and cannot make the evening shows. Tickets at the door R55 (R45 students and pensioners). Prior booking is highly recommended as seating will be limited. Block bookings of more than 10 get special discounts. Bookings through Claudette Wagner on 031 260 3133 or email on wagnerc1@ukzn.ac.za

More information and pictures on Dayimane! and any of activities and past projects can be accessed via Mhayise Productions on facebook.