Left astonished
by some of these new and exhilarating concepts reaching the stage. (Review by Verne
Rowin Munsamy)
KZN ON THE EDGE is a new JOMBA! Festival platform that allows
for fresh and innovative contemporary dance work to emerge and find a space in
our beautiful province. Not sure what to expect, I made my way to the Sneddon
only to be left astonished by some of these new and exhilarating concepts reaching
the stage.
There were
three works on the line up: one man, one
light, choreographed and directed by the genius mind of David Gouldie (who
is always cutting edge), extravagant and spectacular lighting design by Michael
Taylor-Broderick, extraordinary sound design by Liam Magner and performed by
one of Durban’s favourite theatre personalities Belinda Henwood who gets to
demonstrate her mime, dance and comic skills to great effect.
This edgy
piece catapults us into a story that relies heavily on the closely woven
relationship between the performer, lights, sound (reminiscent of Amalie) and
the space. I was amazed by the entire ensemble which dazzled and moved us with a
game of 0s and Xs, lasers, a moving hat and later we swam through an ocean of
blue. Henwood is hilarious in her mimed efforts and is best supported by her
companion, light; she is like a Charlie Chaplin at 90s rave party.
The second
work was Paraphernalia of suffering, choreographed
and danced by Tegan Peacock in collaboration with ReRouted Dance Company and joined by Bonwa Mbontsi in
performance. This story uses ordinary shopping baskets in some extraordinary
ways. Forcing us to question our consumption of life, materials and behaviour as
we see two individuals balance on, slide between and encase themselves in
shopping baskets. Together they learn to rid themselves of immobility by
shedding what is not needed.
The last work,
take me back home, was choreographed
and performed by Sandile Mkhize of Phakama
and accompanied by Leagan Peffer, Kristi-Leigh Gresse, Nkanyiso Kunene. This
work seemed a little out of place in the night’s line-up. Only because is
offered a more technically choreographed and danced work as opposed to the
first two pieces which offered a more out-the-box concept. Although beautifully
danced, the piece seems a little disjointed and incomplete. The two duets
didn’t seem to form a cohesive whole. However it does demonstrate great
technique and skill. - Verne Rowin
Munsamy
Posts
