BEAUTY IN THE CRACKS: REVIEW

 

(Above: An image from “Close by.../la rue d'a-cotê”.  Pic supplied)

I see the intended challenge to the conventions of performance and the feelings of displacement that is embodied in the audience; however, my expectations to watch dance in a contemporary dance festival were not met. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)

JOMBA! continues on its journey in its 26th year, bringing us unconventional dance pieces that push the boundaries of dance and what dance is supposed to resemble. Last night we were treated to two dance pieces that challenged the conventional space in which performance takes place and how an audience is placed or displaced from their comfort zones. With performances in several venues around Durban, last night saw us returning to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

The first show titled, Close by.../la rue d'a-cotê, was a collaborative piece between Compagnie Ex Nihilo from France and Flatfoot Dance Company from South Africa. The outdoor venue, with audiences placed on the driveway of the theatre, had a tarred performance space that also utilized the pavement area. The warm breeze and the night sky allowed for the perfect setting for this dance piece that was symbolic of nature and beauty that grows in the cracks of the concrete jungle. The dance resembled the night life of intoxicated people returning home, the sinister appearance of evil doers and mostly the frolicking of strangers who meet and spark excitement and joy in one another. The site-specific piece was quite enjoyable especially the acrobatic leaps onto the walls and the lifts and playful banter through dance.

 

(Above: Boyzie-Cekwana-JOMBA-2019-in-Bootlegged. Photo by Val-Adamson)

 The second piece titled, ...on behalf of a collective sigh, conceived, directed and with text by Boyzie Cekwana (South Africa) with music by Mariti Garret (America), had the audience sit on the stage, creating an immersive effect for a collective experience. 

I enjoyed the musicians and their overt connection to the theme of homelessness and being displaced.

 I see the intended challenge to the conventions of performance and the feelings of displacement that is embodied in the audience; however, my expectations to watch dance in a contemporary dance festival were not met. I was a little disappointed by this piece as it fell short of my desired needs for a dance piece. I do appreciate the attempt to be controversial on this platform that facilitates opposing views and performances but this was not a favourite of mine.

I look forward to the rest of the festival line-up that ends on Sunday. And anticipate performance that shifts perspective and uplifts the strength and impact of the dancing body. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy