DANCE: Suzy Bell
THERE’s a development dance theatre company so hot, hip and happening that it’s already performed for President Mandela and Sonia Gandhi. Siwela Sonke is an eclectic, experimental dance company that melts together African, Indian and European dance heritage, creating a new rhythm we’ve all been waiting for. The vibrant, young dancers move to a sassy and streetwise beat that is classical but contemporary. It’s an innovative cross-culture of dance that offers us a new language through indhlamu, gumboot, bharatha natyam and ballet.
It is recreating our rich history through dramatic storytelling, dipping deep into the pot of African mythology and legends, so choreographer Simpiwe Magazi is not at a loss for new material. Magazi (28), has chosen the plight of the Bushmen (the San) for the next dance project, Heritage II. Through song, chanting, percussion, the hooting kudu horn, bird whistles and shakers, and of course dance, the dancers are fluid at expressing the pain of the forgotten nation. Heritage I was full of angst; Heritage II is about reconciliation.
Magazi is confident of Siwela Sonke’s mission. ”We are trying to develop our own style. I believe dance is not just putting steps together. It’s about how you feel, it’s all about expression. Expression of stories that must be told. Technique is important so good training is essential, but passion is what we need in dance, and a definite spirituality in how we move, and why we move in such a way,” he explains.
Magazi has recently introduced release work into his dance classes because, as he says: ”African energy is very relaxed.” He flops his body forward like a rag doll to demonstrate, then mimics the traditional African rhythm with slow Tai Chi movements in the air. ”It’s such a natural way of working. It’s much healthier too. Why torture the body like we do in ballet? We need to express a more relaxed African contemporary dance with classical undertones.”
So the dancers are creating a dialogue with the community that is direct, accessible and often funky. Siwela Sonke deals with topical social issues that range from gangsterism in schools to abuse against women. It tours schools, clinics, factories and shopping centres with messages that are as immediate as they are poignant.
And just because it’s development dance don’t assume it is sub-standard professionaly. Their polished and compelling performances are thanks to artistic director Jay Pather and a choreographer like Magazi. In Pather’s new contemporary work, Testimonies, a Shostakovich cello concerto haunts the movements of the actors who seek truth and examine the painful difficulties and ambiguities surrounding reconciliation.
Siwela Sonke has its official launch with The Playhouse Dance Company on April 19