Dance Umbrella presents this new experimental proposal bringing out the cultural background of South Africa’s townships. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if their heels were either kicked or dragged.
How can you tell a thousand stories without even saying a single word? There’s something about dance that epitomizes, in some way, all of the arts. It creates a language that’s founded in music, yet flies high up above with its own wings; it holds a voice that no one utters, yet resonates deep inside us with piercing profundity. The Dance Umbrella company is surely not unacquainted with such concept. In fact, they breath it through their craftsmanship – and if not, they’re great at giving the opposite impression.
Last weekend must have meant a special one for the Sadler’s Wells, as an unique celebration of history and pop culture landed on its stage by the hands of one the most versatile troupes in the country. Giving a bombastic splash of streetwise zest, Via Katlehong’s Via Injabulo made a triumphant entrance last Friday with its sharp homage to South Africa’s urban folklore. A melange of local traditions combined with contemporary techniques, the piece is a ever-rolling ball of visual energy, taking us on a speeding whirlpool of emotions and open plotlines where its fast pacing (particularly in the first act) equals its captivating enticement.
Directed and designed by Europe’s leading makers Marco da Silva Ferreira and Amala Dianor, the show’s choreography is a rhapsodic blast of dynamism – not renouncing, nonetheless, to some degree of subtlety in their delivery. Performed with infectious stamina, both the group’s passion and rapport are, indubitably, the highest points of their rendition – triggering a much intoxicating sensation of allurement, while making up for some minor flaws regarding their coordination as an ensemble. In addition, its continuously changing blocking, exploring a wide range of possibilities despite the limitations of black-box staging, contributes to the ongoing magnetism of the piece – endowed with rich textures which are all the way enhanced by compelling and narratively effective lighting.
A letter of love and, above all, pride to the sparkling flavour of its original land, Via Katlehong’s Via Injabulo has brought out a memorable sense of distinction with itself – providing us with a work that, though not perfect and with a bit of room for polishing, has a firm, strong pulse that, just as its exhilarating vitality, is always far from wearing out. More conflicting, clear elements could add up to what’s already a engaging (yet slightly empty) recount, thus giving us a rounded perception of fulfilling storytelling – the kind where its ending becomes the beginning of the viewer’s memories.
All pictures credit to Pedro Sardinha.
Via Katlehong’s Via Injabulo played last weekend at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Upcoming shows are available on the following link.