ISENYUSO

(Created in 2021/2022)

Image: John Hogg

Duration: 50 mins no intermission

Choreographer: Thami Tshabalala

Director: Siphumeze Khundayi

Technical Director: Wilhelm Disbergen

Music Composition: Nik Sakellarides and Umlilo Ngcobo

Performers: Thami Tshabalala and Khaya Ndlovu

Premiere: Kucheza Festival 2022

Performances: Soweto Theatre -May 2022

Market Theatre- January 2023

Itrotra Map festival- February 2023

SYNOPSIS

Isenyuso… a contemporary dance work that details a global narrative of individual injustice, liberty, misrepresentation and preservation of heritage. Told through the lens of a new age man of colour supported by history, the work further explores issues of spirituality, lineage and impact by Christianity and missionaries in the African culture.

A pandemic that’s on its knees begging for acknowledgement in a world that guarantees life through sacrificing the other. Unpacking this crippling and barring suitcase unroots the tainted crop dwelling through the African linage and unveiling the fog smeared across the face of the people of colour. 

Inspired by the well- known African novel titled ‘Things Fall Apart’ by acclaimed Nigerian author Chinua Achebe published in 1958, chronicles the life of Okwonkwo, an Igbo man and local wrestling champion in the fictional clan of Umofia. He was empowered by the notion of superiority and justice, driven to reclaim the toxic representation and indoctrination of his people and further preserving their dignity. Let us hand over an untainted baton!

SIMON

(Created in 2018/2019)

SYNOPSIS

“In South Africa I am oppressed because I am a black man, and I am oppressed because I am gay. So, when I fight for my freedom, I must fight against both oppressions.” Simon Tseko Nkoli (1957-1998)

Simon is a contemporary dance/physical theatre production that pays homage to  the legend himself; anti-apartheid, HIV activist and father of the LGBTI community in South Africa. The narrative derails the fruitful journey of his struggles, triumphs, social acceptance and pure expression of himself to the brim of his existence.

His journey is of huge significance as he was co-founding leader of Gay Pride which first initiated in South Africa in 1990 under the apartheid regime. He stepped out of his estimate and came out about his sexuality whilst in prison, changing the perspective of the governing ANC, became a leader of the International Gay and Lesbian rights and put Africa on the map by receiving a Stonewall Award for change and liberty in his community- leading to have a street named after him in Amsterdam.

Above all the work elaborates the vitality and complexity of an African homosexual man depicted in the formidable experience of great LGBTIQ, apartheid and HIV activist Simon Nkoli and the powerful movement he insinuated. 

PETTICOAT PRINCESS

(Created 2023/2024)

Image: Thokozani Arthur Dlamini

Duration: 55mins, no interval

Choreographer & Performer: Thami Tshabalala

Director: Khutjo Green

Technical Director: Felicia Seretlo

Music Composition: Nik Sakellarides

Costume: Thami Tshabalala & Khutjo Green

Graphic Designer: Sizwe Ndabana

Premiere: Joburg Moves Dance Season, University of Johannesburg, 25th April 2024

SYNOPSIS

A reimagination of a captivating woman of courage, Sabina Chebichi. A former Kenyan middle-distance runner, marking her spot as the first women of colour to triumph at the Commonwealth games marathon in 1973, barefoot and wearing nothing but a petticoat. Thus, her tag the ‘petticoat princess’ tag came about.

Post making headlines as Kenya’s new athletic sensation and model to  the mass of her community. The future of her career hauled as nature called. Chebichi bared the fruit of her womb ending her career and future participation in the sport.  Several African female athletes who achieved success on the world level as runners concurred that having children at a young age hindered their ability to pursue their athletic goals.

The inquisition of a turbulent format that sees through the demise of incomparable women on the rise is yet to be unfolded. Legendary stories are told of great athletes, but none beats that of Sabina Chebichi.

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