(Njabulo Zungu & Nqubeko
Ngema. Pic by Val Adamson)
Xplosion represents a
high standard of work all round. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Taking place in three venues at the Courtyard Theatre, Xplosion is presented by the Durban
University of Technology’s Drama and Production Studies Department and represents
the Annual Season of Contemporary Dance.
It is a showcase of the work of all 2nd and 3rd year Theatre Dance
Specialists and the pre-publicity states that Xplosion “explores the relationship between movement and brain
science and pushes the dancers to their limit by making their bodies move far
beyond their “norm”.”
This exploration has resulted in an extensive programme that challenges
a large company of performers and extends boundaries of a wide variety of
styles – from contemporary dance, to hip-hop and pantsula.
There are three works involved. Dankie
Madam takes place in the foyer followed by Vusi Makhanya’s the last great act of living which is performed
in the theatre itself. The audience then moves outside into the courtyard area for
Mdu Mtshali and Marcia Mzindle’s 5, 6, 7,
8 let’s go!
Dankie Madam is an amusing
short piece workshopped by Nozipho Mbhele and Senzo Mabanga and supervised by
Mdu Mtshali. It could have done with stronger lighting as much of the facial
expressions were lost.
the last great act of living opens
with the dancers lying flat on the floor with the lighting bar lowered to a few
metres above them. It’s an interesting
and thought-provoking work dealing with inter-planetary existence and offering
amusing comparisons as to what life might be like out there in the cosmos. Presented
by second year students, the moods change from primeval and zombie-ish to
playful and futuristic.
5, 6, 7, 8 let’s go! takes its title
from a choreographer or teacher’s cue to dancers in rehearsal to begin a piece,
ie “five, six, seven, eight ...”. This was a non-stop high-energy work from
third-year students. Many of the dancers exhibited such a strong standard that
they could walk – or more appropriately, leap! - straight into any professional
dance company. Would that there were enough opportunities for sustainable
employment for them in this field in Durban.
While Xplosion represents a
high standard of work all round, there are notable performances from Nonhlanhla
Gwala, Cebo Fakazi and Nqobile Mhlongo in the
last great act of living.
In 5, 6, 7, 8 let’s go! I was highly impressed by Nqubeko Ngema who
performed an excellent and quite spectacular duo with Njabulo Zungu before
completing a further piece with Thando Mbanjwa. As if this wasn’t sufficient
drain on any dancer’s energy, he continued to play a strong part for the rest
of the programme. If Nqubeko Ngema follows a career in dance – and I certainly
hope he will – he will be a name to look out for.
Credit to theatre manager Mthandazo Mofokeng for good lighting design
and to Sphuulile Biyela and Anathi Gobeni who are acknowledged as handling the
costumes.
Xplosion is co-ordinated
and directed by Mdu Mtshali and has two more performances - Wednesday and
Thursday (August 26 and 27) at 19h00 at the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets at the
door. – Caroline Smart
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