JOMBA! has an exciting programme this year
(Both dance works offer ground-breaking challenges to societal irregularities through unconventional dance experiences. Review by Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy)
And Still we rise...
This year JOMBA! has an exciting programme of live dance and digital dance works from across the globe. Friday night's line-up showcased two works from Spain and the Ivory Coast. Both dance pieces explored a fusion of live dance and video projections that reimagined the concept of traditional dance pieces.
The first dance piece, titled Spanish Focus: Flood, is choreographed by Meritxell Barberá and Inna Garcia in collaboration with dancer Lara Misó (Spain) and Zinhle Nzama (South Africa).
The pieces had two focal points, the video which showed the destructive nature of water through flooding and unstoppable torrents juxtaposed with the ebbing and flowing of a gentle ocean.
We retrace the steps of a Spanish woman as she witnesses this destructive force through towns and cities but also the rebirth of nature and infrastructure that happens after the waters have subsided. These images are complimented by the gentle contemporary dance technique that also saw the dancer mimic this ebb and flow through a gentle contemporary choreography. The dance was looped and repeated so as to ensure that you don't miss the choreography while simultaneously focusing on the video.
The second dance work, entitle BLACK, is choreographed and danced by Oulouy (Spain/Ivory Coast). This fusion between live dance and video highlights the plight and subjugation of Black men around the world as a global phenomenon that needs to be addressed and challenged. The choreographic style fused hip-hop and crunk and while simplic in nature compared to other dance styles was impactful and mesmerizing. The piece fused poetry, video and dance to create a unique experience for audiences.
Both dance works offer ground-breaking challenges to societal irregularities through unconventional dance experiences. Both solos were captivating and pleasing to watch. I look forward to the rest of the Jomba! programme in the days to come. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy