EXCHANGE

The Durban University of Technology’s Drama and Production Studies Department presents the 2016 Season of Dance entitled EXCHANGE.

Under well-known award-winning choreographer Mdu Mtshali, both dance and choreography training is explored this year through a collaboration in which young choreographers and DUT Dance Specialists simultaneously flex their creative talents as young professional choreographers and budding artists and dancers.

The opportunity allows an “exchange” of graduate and student skills creating a more fluid bridge between training and entering the professional arena, as jointly the choreographer and dancer communally challenge musical interpretation and dance creation.

The young artists involved in these shifted roles will endeavour to expand creative horizons under the artistic direction of choreographer Mdu Mtshali. Physical Dance choreographer Lee-Ann Naicker, a new member of the Drama staff from Pretoria will also make her Durban choreography debut.

At the end of this innovation laboratory process, consisting of classes, experiments, and discussion, each choreographer will present a 15-20 minute journey of their artistic process in collaboration with a lighting designer and dancers.

EXCHANGE showcases 60 minutes of new work by Durban choreographers: Thandanani Qwabe, Njabulo Zungu, Nqubeko Ngema and Lee Ann Naicker with some choreography workshopped by Dance Specialists. Lighting design is by Napoleon Maleka Motimele and Lerato Malose Ledwaba, with the entire programme co-ordinated by Mdu Mtshali

EXCHANGE runs from August 1 to 3 at 19h00 at the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets R40 at the door. Safe parking is available at Gate 7 Ritson campus and Gate 4 on Steve Biko campus, Steve Biko Road.