(Vusi Makhanya
encourages Tanya Govender to dance with him)
A heartwarming and inspirational experience. (Review by Keith Millar)
With principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust
Fund, A New Life premiered at Stable Theatre over the weekend. It was a heartwarming and inspirational
experience as a group of youngsters from Special Needs schools in Durban took
to the stage – joy, wonder and profound fulfillment radiating from their
smiling faces.
The production, which is described as “A Fun Dance Drama with a Huge
Heart”, formed part of The Indian Academy of South Africa’s 2013 Heritage
Series. It was conceived and directed by Durban theatre luminary Caroline Smart.
Her inspiration came from the late Dr TP Naidoo, founder of the Academy, who
dealt with his own immobility problems with dignity and determination.
Caroline Smart’s vision was to provide a platform for a group of physically
challenged youngsters to develop their creative abilities, make a meaningful
contribution to a professional production, and to entertain. All this through
the use of the beautiful and expressive movements of both Indian classical and contemporary
dance.
Helping her realise her vision was one of the country’s leading
exponents of Indian dance, the beautiful Verushka Pather, and the renowned
contemporary dancer and choreographer, Vusi Makhanya.
Verushka’s solo dance in the show is exquisite with all the expression
and gorgeous movement which form part of this refined form of dance. She is
joined by a troupe of young dancers from her company who also make an impressive
contribution to the dazzling eastern sounds, colours and mood of the show.
Then there is the incomparable Vusi Makhanya. This man is a serious
talent. He is well-built and muscular but moves with the grace of a gazelle.
His solo dance was breathtaking. Athletic, physical and very elegant. The
cross-cultural duet he performed with Verushka was enthralling and memorable.
But most extraordinary was Vusi’s interaction with the disabled
youngsters. The encouragement and understanding he offered led to them
performing with enjoyment and elation which was palpable. I am sure he got more
out of them than even they ever believed was possible.
These physically challenged young people were undoubtedly the stars of
the show.
From the VN Naik School for the Deaf were Xolani Mbatha, Kaylan Reddy
and Ezile Bekebu. They provided a delightful dance number. It was energetic and
perfectly synchronized – and they couldn’t hear a note of the music which was
playing for the benefit of the audience. They work solely from cues and a
strong sense of rhythm.
From Cheshire Homes in Chatsworth came Khethelo Doncabe, Thobani Malevu
and the captivating Tanya Govender. All three have cerebral palsy and their
movement is severely compromised. However, they were able to contribute in a
meaningful way with a remarkable performance of movement and rhythm.
Also part of the show was the Cheshire Homes’s care-giver Samke Dlamini
and two young dancers from Vusi Makhanya’s Kwa Mashu School of Dance.
The crowning moment of A New Life
is when Vusi lifts Tanya (squealing with delight) onto his shoulder in a
perfectly co-ordinated movement. Wheelchair-bound Tanya dreams of being a
dancer - and A New Life allows her to
become one.
With principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund A New Life aims to contribute into the
future and is available for fundraising or special events. For more information
contact Vasantha Naidoo, Deputy Director of the Indian Academy of South Africa,
on 074 124 6889. – Keith Millar
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