New dance work allows Flatfoot fans a glimpse into the dancers’ personal memories. (Review by Caroline Smart)
This year, Durban’s Flatfoot Dance Company celebrates
its 12th year – no mean achievement in an arts world where survival presents
often insurmountable financial challenges. However, under the persistence and
determination of its artistic director, choreographer Lliane Loots, it
continues to present innovative and thought-provoking contemporary dance.
days
like these, which opened last night at the
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, is no different. It has the added focus that allows
us a glimpse into the personal memories of the six resident members of the
company.
Inspired by the words of Nigerian author Ben Okri:
“There is not a single person who is not touched by the silent presence of
stories”, she has created a work built on the dancers’ own contributions – not just
through the medium of dance but through language as well. She asked them to “dig
for memories around three specific topics: food, politics and love/loss.”
A two-week “intensive and deeply personal” workshop
saw the dancers - Sifiso Majola, Tshediso Kabulu, Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika,
Julia Wilson and Zinhle Nzama – exploring the themes and finding personal
experiences to match them. The result is a well-presented dancework that relies
on dramatic text and film imagery to make a satisfying creative whole.
I also believe this production has probably
brought this already tight-knit group a little closer, having gone through such
a personal process. There is a sequence where one will turn to another and say “hold
me” and then leap into their arms. These leaps in dance are always hugely based
on trust for one false move or lack of focus could result in a serious fall!
Forming an integral part of the production are
Karen Logan’s videoscapes. Wide township street scenes are played across the
back of the theatre, often featuring a distant image of the dancer who is
performing on the stage. Another innovative and very personal touch is the
playing of the dancers’ interviews on white curtains at the side of the stage.
These range from the nostalgic (remembering grandmothers) or humorous (making food
with hefty helpings of mayonnaise) to memories of growing up in physical township
violence (mothers dressing their young sons in girls’ clothes to avoid them
being drawn in by the gangs) and the assault and rape of a friend (because he
was gay).
The cast are dressed all in white and Wesley
Maherry’s lighting adds subtle colours and shades to enhance the movement. The
light is often designed to make the dancers perform in front of their enormous
shadows.
days
like these runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until
March 29. Tonight’s performance (March 26 at 19h30) features a special after-show
Dance Talks Back hosted by award-winning
arts journalist Adrienne Sichel in conversations with Loots and the dancers.
This is a unique opportunity to listen to the dancers and choreographers unpack
and answer questions about their work. Sichel comes to Durban as a guest from
The Ar(t)chive at the Wits School of Arts.
Tickets R85 (R50 for students/learners and
pensioners). Block bookings of 10 or more people is also available at R50 per
ticket). Booking is at Computicket. – Caroline Smart
Posts
