(Vincent Sekwati Koko
Mantsoe)
Mantsoe is a pure pleasure to watch in this journey of
emotions. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Created by Vincent Sekwati Koko Mantsoe and Wesley Maherry, KonKoriti formed part of the Main
programme of the 2017 National Arts Festival.
This is a solo contemporary dance piece performed by Mantsoe
and deals with “self-praise, self-I and self-righteousness”. The programme
notes state: “A power of a symphonic I, pushing and waving its path, in total
control. Like many before him/her, he/she falls and rises like a phoenix with
pride.”
The stage is bare except for five mike stands, some holding
microphones. The opening hears people chatting before Mantsoe enters and
solemnly and ceremoniously moves and repositions the mike stands. He stares at
the audience as he walks past and his expression is difficult to read. Is he
proud, egotistic or self-righteous? Or is he asking for help? The situation is
enigmatic.
What is certainly not enigmatic is Mantsoe’s superb control
of his body – the fluid strength and grace of the gentlest of movements can
change in moments to powerful and frenzied activity without jarring. The
lighting is extremely effective, sometimes highlighting the mike stands, giving
them their own character. The soundtrack echoes the dancer’s moods, at one
stage becoming so volcanic one expected the seating stands to start shaking!
KonKoriti is
named after a song about pride and arrogance that his grandmother used to sing
to him and it explores physical power and selfishness. Mantsoe is strongly
inspired by spirituality and deep cultural influences as he wrestles with the
preservation of tradition in the contemporary. A former Standard Bank Young
Artist, Mantsoe now lives in France. KonKoriti
toured France and Germany last year to sold-out houses and critical acclaim.
Mantsoe is a pure pleasure to watch in this journey of
emotions. – Caroline Smart
(To link direct to the NAF site click on the large banner that runs
across the top of this blog)
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