The Wilvan Dance Theatre is turning 42 years old this year.
To celebrate its rich history and contribution to dance and contemporary social issues, Wilvan has collaborated with Jazzart Dance Theatre, Zonnebloem Nest High School, the internationally-renowned Rosana Maya and poet Khadija Heeger, staging the production “dis!place” at the District Six Museum on the 20, 21 and 22 March 2010.
This production aimed to highlight the challenges of dislocation and the resilience of the human spirit, bringing to life a blend of flamenco, hip hop and other dance forms in an exciting and innovative way.
DisPlace! The Place to be….
To celebrate its rich history and contribution to dance and contemporary social issues, Wilvan has collaborated with Jazzart Dance Theatre, Zonnebloem Nest High School, the internationally-renowned Rosana Maya and poet Khadija Heeger, staging the production “dis!place” at the District Six Museum on the 20, 21 and 22 March 2010.
This production aimed to highlight the challenges of dislocation and the resilience of the human spirit, bringing to life a blend of flamenco, hip hop and other dance forms in an exciting and innovative way.
DisPlace! The Place to be….
I started dancing with Wilvan when I was 6 years old and even though I have recently left the dance school, I’m still part of the community. Having seen one of the rehearsals only a few days before the production was due to open, I was initially quite sceptical about the quality of this show in all respects. I felt that the plot was confusing and poorly structured, the show long, and the execution somewhat disappointing. However, after having seen the final performance, I was quite impressed. A few individuals held the strength of the production in their hands, but one accepts certain flaws in a dance company that is not labelled as “professional”. These are not 9-5 dancers, but they managed to pull off a production worth seeing. Perhaps one or two of the solos could have been cut, ensuring that the show ended without too much fidgeting of audience members, but it was enjoyable overall. Peter, in particular was outstanding on the night I went (even if the constant banging of his stick became annoying after a while). And the Jazzart Trainees provided a welcome relief for those of us who find copious amount of Spanish dancing a bit tiring. Mention must also be made of the musicians and the narrator, who all did a fabulous job. Also, as I was seated upstairs and looked down at the performance, it really was like I was seeing the performance with a different pair of eyes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful comment ruth...and thank you for taking the time to go and see the show
ReplyDelete"I have been an actor and I do flamenco, for myself, I have been involved in many shows and have seen many shows. In all truth I wish to try and convey what you performance did to me.
ReplyDeleteYou have 'raised the bar', what I felt and know in my soul, is that your performance was, for me, the best show I have ever experienced. From beginning to end, and now for the rest of my life, I ca carry what is a complete expression of truth, passed from one to another.
In my understanding of art, this is the ultimate creation. All else is an interpretation of truth. I felt what you felt, I experienced you truth.The beaty and inspiration that you have carried, now, has changed my search, for more than what I have experienced before, you have shown me a new way, to reach for more in what I create.
Your show can hold on any of the great stages in the world, and I stand in respect, continually applauding in my soul for Displace." - Jonathan Pienaar (23 March 2010)