(Participants of Musa
Hlatshwayo's Movement Laboratory. Pic by Val Adamson)
After suffering the consequences of the shutting down of
Stable Theatre for renovations last year together with the limitations of
‘spaces’ that are supportive of movement and dance development for non
profit-making purposes, The Movement Laboratory has finally found a home at the
Durban Art Gallery.
The Movement Laboratory is a movement and dance development
initiative founded and directed by award-winning dancer and choreographer Musa
Hlatshwayo with the primary intention of fostering a free platform for young
artists and the arts community interested in the medium of movement and dance
wherein participants can gather, share and exchange ideas, knowledge, skills
and information while learning in a creative and fun environment.
The approach of the Movement Lab (as it is known) is based
on offering participants technique classes, creative movement tasks and tools,
performance opportunities, discussion sessions on theories and working
methodologies while working towards showcasing and staging performance works.
In the process, participants gain tools and methods that they can they use to
challenge and improve their craft under a laboratory ‘peer mentorship’ setting
facilitated by Hlatshwayo himself.
This is also a creative space where participants are
required to experiment with movement, ideas, theories, concepts, philosophies
and methodologies while scrutinizing and exploring possibilities of movement as
the language of creative physical expression which when stylized then
translates into different dance styles.
In the past, participants have included students and
graduates of the creative/performing arts from various local training
institutions, scholars and educators whose syllabus might include dramatic
arts, actors and directors who want to further their movement knowledge and
technique. These classes are also for members of the general public who simply
love and appreciate movement and dance and want to start training towards
improving their health if not train towards becoming performing artists
themselves.
“Although informal and ‘open’ in its policies, the programme
involves intensive training that is principle-driven and goal-orientated with
the participants pushing and challenging themselves as much as they care to,”
explains Hlatshwayo. “We currently boast a number of success stories of
different kinds with a variety of actors, dancers, directors and film makers
who are now well-known and established who either started their training with
us or have gone through the programme to enhance their training and other
various reasons.
“Part of training
also features excursions that might include attending performances, workshops,
exhibitions and other relevant events and activities that form part of our personal
and artistic development,’ Hlatshwayo continues. “We also host workshop
residencies over a period of two to three weeks at least three times a year
during school holidays where various activities take place.”
Classes take place every Saturday from 10h00 until 14h00
from January 23 at the Durban Art Gallery at the City Hall Museum opposite the
Playhouse Company at the CBD in Gallery 2, on the 2nd floor.
10h00 to 11h30: Technique class
12h00 to 13h45: Creative choreographic task or creative
exploration session
13h45 to 14h00: Individual cool down or a short discussion
seminar or one on one mentorship session
Participants are required to bring movement clothes that are
suitable for gym and dance. No jeans, smart/formal pants or skirts will be
allowed. Jewellery and shoes are also not allowed. Participation is open to
anyone over the age of 10 who wants to explore their movement at no charge. No
prior dance training is required. Participants are advised to bring a hand
towel, a bottle of water and a light snack. No previous dance experience is
needed.
This initiative is largely administered through Facebook and
whatsapp. Participants are therefore requested to join our Facebook group; The
Movement Laboratory, and they are urged to keep a close eye on the group's wall
for announcements, frequent updates, group wall discussions and any other
relevant information. Contact telephone numbers will be taken during Saturday
classes and participants will then be added into the whatsapp group.
The Movement Laboratory is an initiative of Mhayise
Productions. “We are grateful to the management and the staff of the Durban Art
Gallery together with the Ethekwini Municipality for welcoming us into the
space. We are looking forward to welcoming our members who are returning and
the new members who will be joining us for the first time.,” says Hlatshwayo.
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