A UNIQUE, award-winning spoken word, music and dance work, titled, ‘Bhakti’ and presented by the Flatfoot Dance Company and the Playhouse Dance Residency, takes to the stage at The Playhouse Complex Drama Theatre from 28 to 31 May.
This dance show is part of The Playhouse New Stages May 2015 offerings. ‘Bhakti’ was first created by artistic director of Flatfoot and choreographer, Lliane Loots, in 2010 and went on in 2011 to travel to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown where it won one of the coveted Ovation Awards.
‘Bhakti’, the Sanskrit word for devotion, offers a unique journey into the meeting of Eastern mystical philosophy and African contemporary dance rhythms. “My own physical and spiritual journeys East, and my deeply embedded love of my home – Africa – all come together in this work, which is really a long dance prayer or devotion offered to gods, goddesses and ancestors alike,” said Loots.
Joining Loots in ‘Bhakti’ are four of Durban’s most celebrated classical Indian dancers. Among these is a gifted veteran Kathak dancer, Manesh Maharaj, whose deep commitment to this ancient classical dance form has garnered a huge following of his work in both South Africa and India alike. Spoken word poet, Iain Robinson, re-joins the cast and once again blends his street-style word rhymes with the ancient wisdom of Rumi’s poetry.
Karen Logan’s inimitable film style offers close-up images of hand mudras, ancient texts coming to life on the stage.
Adding the soundscape to this theatrical dance milestone is veteran musician, Madala Kunene, whose maskanda guitar echoes haunting rhythms for the dancers. Also joining him is master djembe drummer, Mandla Matsha, who has often collaborated with Loots on her various choreographic works. Completing the trio of musicians is tabla player, Vishen Kemraj, whose extraordinary drumming skills are known internationally. In a sound-perfect fusion these three musicians weave an original score for the dancers as they too offer up theatrical devotions for the audience.
Tickets are R85 each and R20 each for special schools matinées. Booking is through Computicket or at the box office on the night (pending availability of tickets).
