Well-trained
and disciplined group presents thought-provoking work at the Rickshaw
Collective. (Review by Caroline Smart)
With
support from the National Arts Council, the KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre
presented its production Imagination
Thought choreographed and directed by Vusi Makhanya at the Rickshaw
Collective on February 27.
The
Rickshaw Collective is an artists collaboration in Durban that offers training,
rehearsal and performance opportunities. Its aim is to tap into Durban’s
unacknowledged resources and creative innovative work.
Set in
Precinct 106, this is a fascinating venue. One of those old buildings tucked
away below Sydney Road, it is dilapidated with peeling paint revealing the
solid brickwork underneath. The building is solidly-built and just in need of
some renovating care.
Off-road
parking on site is protected by a security gate. Two flights of narrow
staircase take you up to the welcoming Rickshaw Collective Space – a vast room
which was divided into two for the purpose of Imagination Thought with the performance area at the far end.
Chairs, fabric covered seating benches and cushions on the floor gave a
welcoming and offbeat look. There is minimal but effective lighting with the
added use of gels creating mood atmospheres.
The
simple set comprises a structure of black catering crates where the is casually seated as the audience moves in. One
by one they rise and move around the stage area - looking around – perhaps for
something or someone, each member of the company having the opportunity to have
a solo moment. The traffic, trains or distant sound of shipping in the harbour
barely intrude.
The
females are in loose tunics while the men are more power-dressed with red
bowties, black pants and variously structured waistcoats. This imbalance
reflects a strong element of the piece which is well represented in the words
of the main character who is a young woman: “You have turned me into a prisoner
in my own body. Why do you have to win all the time? This is my own life. I’m
taking back my freedom.” This was a
strong all-round performance in dance, speech and song by Nombuso Ratsha with
equal support from Nolwazi Majola and Zimbili Hlongwane. Notable male dancers
were Scelo Mthethwa and Mthokozisi Mkhwanazi and there were some highly
impressive moves from the men.
The rest
of the company comprises Sinenhlanhla Sihlangu, Anele Makanya,
Mpume Mdlalose, Nondumiso Kheswa, Njabulo Zulu, Wandile Nodliwa and Zwelakhe Vilakazi.
This group, which represents the senior company of the KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre is well
trained and disciplined and Imagination
Thought is a good showcase for their abilities.
The
focus on amagende, the township stone
game, saw the characters starting off their placings with care and thought.
This then progressed through frenetic activity until something tangibly
precious was acquired and held protectively in their hands.
Speech
is becoming more and more a part of dance and dance companies need to take
cognisance of this in terms of training dancers to be as articulate in voice
and they are in body. Often, important information was lost through lack of vocal
clarity and projection.
All
tickets sold for this production contributed to the Acting for Rhinos Trust. Vusi
Makhanya is hoping to take the production to other venues but it will be going
to schools. For more information contact him on 082 622 4005 or visit the
KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre on Facebook.
The
Rickshaw Collective is situated at Precinct 106, 106 Williams Road, now Khuzimpi Shezi Road. For more information contact Shelby Strange on email strangedays1@gmail.com or sboh2o@gmail.com or join the Facebook group of
The Rickshaw Collective. – Caroline Smart
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