WINDHOEK– The Franco Namibia Cultural Centre (FNCC) in the framework of its event series “Dance Showcase Namibia”, City of Windhoek and the Windhoek Observer in collaboration with First Rain Dance Theatre presents “Anima”, a spectacular African ballet production next Thursday to Saturday at Namibia Institute for Personal and Administrative Management (NIPAM) Amphitheatre, Paul Nash Street, Olympia.
Anima is a spectacular full length African ballet production, involving some of Namibia’s most experienced avant-garde artists such as Steffen List (soundscape), Lize Ehlers (vocals), Lila Swanepoel (video), Willem Very (photography), Taati Sibolile (costumes), Shishani Vranckx (vocals) and Françios Olivier (PR). Anima is a show that takes no prisoners, it is an exploration of the inner self, the modern Namibian sexuality and the pure joy of movement. This is a modern Namibian fairytale for adults.
The story begins with an otherworldly being, played by the wonderfully talented Grant Edem, who falls to earth from the heavens. He is found by earthly tribes who, led by Trixie Munyama and Tuli Shityuwete, heal him and teach him to dance. In return, the angel teaches the tribe to fly. This is a fairytale that relates very directly to the lives of urban Namibians, and addresses the current gender crisis that we are now dealing with on a daily basis, as well as the struggles of modern Namibians as we try to reconcile our traditions with our contemporary lives.
Anima is an explosion of Namibian fashion, film, photography, sound and movement, and boasts stars such as Shishani and Lize Ehlers who will be performing live, and Steffen List, front man of amazing local band Tonetic who is creating the original soundtrack. The costumes for the show are all personally designed and handcrafted by Taati Sibolile, one of Namibia’s most talented up-and-coming designers who is hot off the catwalk at Swahili Fashion Week. The formidable team is rounded out with talented visual artists Lila Swanepoel (film) and Willem Vrey (photography).
This full length Namibian traditional ballet will take both the dancers and the audience on a journey of self-discovery and an exploration of the joy to be found even in the darkest of times. Tickets are available from the FNCC for N$ 60 in advance and N$ 80 at the doors which open at seven O’clock, 19H00.