A myriad of styles, techniques and solo
showmanship at hand yet they all meshed together into a tightfisted dance
work. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
The Playhouse Company has become well-known
for their dance residency that allows dancers the space to make challenging
choreography on the body. Their latest marvel is Ukuzinza, meaning rooted, choreographed by the noteworthy Mzokuthula
Gasa. Gasa brings a fresh ferocious energy into the 10 dancers, all of whom
must be commended for their strength, speed and stamina.
I relished in the images and poetry of the
movement that reminded me of what joy it is to be African and even through our
hours of struggle and turmoil, we have much to celebrate. The opening gave
birth to multitude of images. We were swept across the wild planes of Africa
with sounds and pictures of animals, then transported to the hustle and bustle
of city life. The sound of cattle horns herded us into this fierce world and
held us captive as the dancers twirled, twisted and trampled across the stage
with such pace and poise.
We were reminded that while we are
different, in Africa, it is our differences that pull us together. There was a
myriad of styles, techniques and solo showmanship at hand yet they all meshed
together into a tight fisted dance work. It was an amalgamation that was a true
reflection of what Africa is like. We were privy to African contemporary,
ballet, tribal dance and so much more. I was impressed by many of the dancers
on stage as they embraced their own technique and allowed this choreography to
nudge them out of their comfort zones. They dug deep to find the spirit of
Africa within them and dance a united front.
I was mesmerised by the dance work and the
connotations of Africa that were brought up and as the opening image of the
umbilical cord suggests, Africa is within us all. A well-earned standing
ovation.
Ukuzinza runs in the Playhouse Drama Theatre until May 27, as part of The
Playhouse Company’s 2018 New Stages Festival. Tickets R80 for performances on May
25 at 19h30; and May 26 at 14h30 and 19h30. Booking is through Computicket on
0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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