Choreographer BreeH Cele’s work uXinzelelo wins Pick of the JOMBA! Live Open Horizons Platform
In the first time since COVID hit the globe in 2019, JOMBA’s popular Live Open Horizons made its way back live into the theatre to an appreciative audience, with Pietermaritzburg choreographer BreeH Cele’s work uXinzelelo taking the honours receiving the “Pick of the Platform” award on August, 2024.
Jurors for the Open Horizons were dancer/choreographers Yaseen Manuel (Unmute Dane Company) and Jabu Siphika (FLATFOOT Dance Company) and dance writer and researcher Tammy Ballantyne.
The jurors' citation read: “The Pick of the Platform was uXinzelelo, choreographed by BreeH Cele, with a carefully-conceptualised work encompassing the weight of unique struggles faced by the black community when it comes to mental health concerns. Cele wove magic through the use of powerful, live vocals, strong voiceovers, evocative lighting choices, and disciplined, focused performers. The stage was covered in white maize meal, which the performers became caked in as the strong choreography unfolded, with good use of the floor and imaginative partnering. At times, there was a sense of call and response between singers and dancers, as well as clever changes in pace and rhythm. An impressive work by a young woman who is using this research as part of her Master's studies.”
uXinzelelo was performed by Nandile Khumalo, Sabelo Cele, Asanda S Khathi, BreeH Cele, Slindile Mthethwa, Thulisile Sithebe, S'khona Mathenjwa, Pertunia Msani, Neo Dube and Nomthandazo Nxabela.
Accepting the award, which carries a small cash honorarium, BreeH Cele, said that she is looking to use it to further develop a short film on the work.
Other works included Inescapable, choreographed and performed by Siphesihle Vilakazi and Anneline Mazibuko, from Durban, SA; SACRIFICIUM choreographed by Versatile Youth Company, Thimna Sitokisi from Gugulethu, SA, and performed by Inam Dyonasi; Ndimphiwe Koloti; Sandile Dyushu; Buntu Anta and Simthembile Mampufo, and Giselle and choreographed and performed by Sarahleigh Castelyn (SA/UK)
The jurors noted the common threads binding the four works on this platform – the deep, inner struggles with mental health and emotional trauma. All four found inventive ways to communicate their stories through well-rehearsed and conceived works, with attention to effective lighting and a variety of choreographic choices.
JOMBA! continues until September 8, 2024, with performances workshops and discussions.
For more information, go to jomba.ukzn.ac.za or visit the Centre for Creative Arts website by clicking on the advert logo to the right of this article.