Theatre partnership presents States of Emergency

This Drama for Life (DFL) season will host a variety of theatre productions under the theme, States of Emergency.

The DFL Human Rights and Social Justice Season 2016 looks at gender in times of conflict and hosts a series of performances – theatre, dance, film screenings and poetry – that interrogate personal and political conflict zones.

DFL artist in residence, Marina Magalhães, brings to the stage a collaborative dance piece with nine women from different backgrounds in (UN)BRIDALED. It is a new dance theatre experience created by the seasoned dancer and award-winning choreographer. Using a dynamic live song and interactive theatre performance, it brings to life the deeply moving and hilariously defiant stories of women on the precipice of change.

Investigating the archetypal role of the bride as a site for patriarchy, subversion and, ultimately, transformation, the piece is charged with the vigor of Afro-Latin contemporary dance.

In reference to their stage production, co-writers Lidija Marelic and Aimee Goldsmith noted in a media statement, “[We] feel an absolute urgency to tell the story of Cheers to Sarajevo so it is remembered and never forgotten. This story is about the endurance of the human spirit to overcome insurmountable acts of violence and hate.”

Bobby Gordon, another DFL artist in residence, presents When Poetry Hits the Fan. One part variety show and one part improvised poetry, this performance gives writers and artists the urgent task of making something – anything – to present to a live audience. The creative process takes place on stage and the audience is invited into the making of a production about what it means to make art in a state of emergency.

Human Rights and Social Justice Season 2016 promises to be an exciting and challenging festival full of thought-provoking dialogue in this state of emergency.

Catch these shows at Wits Theatre from 3 to 7 May.