Soweto performing arts duo rise above challenges brought by the pandemic
Mpotseng Nhlapo and Tholakele Nkala share their talent with an online audience.
No one was ever prepared for what the year 2020 has brought to the nation, the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is upon us and landed extra hard on the performing arts, but it seems they are not taking it lying down.
The much loved and well-known National Arts Festival that usually takes place annually in Makhanda, Grahamstown, was this a year virtual event. It did not come without challenges, uploading content by artists who submitted their work for the Virtual-Fringe (vFringe), proved to be quite a task.
Technicalities were smoothened a few days after the festival kicked off. Two dancers who have risen above the challenges are Soweto’s very own duo, Mpotseng Nhlapo, and Tholakele Nkala. They said that they saw an opportunity and decided to team up and put in work for an online audience.
[also read] – An idea of what Durban July would have looked like under normal circumstances
Currently streaming online is their imaginary dance duet, “The Wall”. A 17 minutes long show put together in just 2 weeks; the duo had a clear objective of the message that they want to relay. The underlying ways of life and how we co-relate with each other.
“Our social responsibility to the whole country and the power in our ability to steer our country into a healthy direction by ourselves. These are some of the few things the pandemic has brought to light and thus using the opportunity to weigh in through dance,” said Nhlapo.
The festival aired until Thursday, July 16 with shows from the Fringe set to stay online until Friday, July 31.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
