The cast performing at at Madsoc Theatre |
A captivating theatrical dance
production called Mphekesela performed by some young Malawians and a Germany
dancer, Lucia Kuhn has exposed Malawi’s affluence and flair in the genre of
contemporary dance.
With the dance as medium of telling
visual narratives, the ten-member cast held their first premier of the dance at
Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe on Wednesday and signed out of the stage on Sunday
afternoon.
Pushing the boundaries of creativity, they merged aesthetics and traditional dance styles from Malawi, Africa and Western cultures.
The performance combined combine different styles of dances |
It was an exciting tale of cultural fusion and artistic innovation as they explored Mphekesela through Beni, Malipenga, contemporary Afro-dances, Hip hop, Ballet and Salsa.
Mphekesela odyssey, is enchanting
story exploring the source and negative effects of rumours and gossip. It
further intricately weaves how society victimise girls in love situations through
ridicule, blame, bullying which eventually ruin their reputation as the gossip
slandered around is left them in total confusion with no one to believe.
Mphekesela explores source and negative effects of rumours |
Girls are the most victims in society |
The dancers maintained cohesion
and flow by truly staying in sync with the rhythm and tempo which in some
occasions created dramatic tension and suspense, heightening the emotional
impact of the performance and drawing the audience into the story being told
through expressive body movement.
“It is a very good production and
it shows we have a lot of talent in Malawi.” Remarked Mrs. Anganile Nthakomwa
the Deputy Director of Arts Responsible for Censorship, from the Department of
Arts in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture.
Nthakomwa (R) presents certificate to Lucia Kuhn |
Nthakomwa said young Malawian dancers need support especially provision of structures that can help them earn a living out of their art.
“It’s really tough in Malawi to
survive on arts alone, but we need a mindset change. There is need to provide
good support towards arts, such as attending arts events, paying for artworks
and events fares. That can uplift the industry especially theatrical arts and
other art forms.’’ Added Nthakomwa
Cultural Standards Officer in the
Department of Arts, James Thole described Mphekesela as a great production and
the first of its kind with potential to export Malawian talent beyond borders.
The cast performing salsa at Madsoc Theatre |
The cast performing salsa at Madsoc Theatre |
Through the mastery of blend of contemporary
dances which carves out new dance styles, their artistry reflects thematic
areas of love, gossip, hate, violence, bullying and the plot advocates for mindset
change and a positive regard towards the existence and success of others.
The performance combined combine different styles of dances |
‘’The positive message for all of us to reflect on our gossip behaviour and maybe to do some changes.’’ Said Lucia after an incredibly stunning dance show
Lucia said would love to bring the
choreography to Germany, as form of cultural exchange and training for young
talented Malawians.
‘’There is a lot of talent and
dance culture in Malawi both on traditional side from the different tribes, as
well as on the contemporary side.’’ Said Lucia
Mphekesela is the first production from Moving Borders initiative |
Mphekesela is the first production from Moving Borders initiative by Lucia through collaboration with Mwezi Arts Theatre.
According to Lucia Moving Borders
initiative hopes to support Malawian dancers to explore opportunities available
in the art of dance and professional paid work opportunities for Malawian
dancers.
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