WINDHOEK– Set against a backdrop of the sounds and chants of the African drum, the College of the Arts (COTA) hosts a launch of Da-Mai Dance Ensemble with a dance show titled In the Beginning tomorrow and Saturday in the COTA’s Courtyard.
In the Beginning is a new dance, a dance work celebrating the force and energy of our lives, the dynamics, constant movement of living, which we cannot see with our naked eyes. According to the new Namibian Contemporary Dance choreographer, Trixie Munyama, In the Beginning is expected to change the perception of Namibian dance, and with the introduction of Namibian Contemporary Dance, the public can expect to see a new and emerging genre fusing contemporary dance with various Namibian traditional dance styles.
“You will see a potjiekos (hotchpotch) of kuduru, Namastap, African, Oshiwambo and Setswana dance all in one show, making it an authentically Namibian theatre art. In the Beginning is fresh, new and will take the audience into a far-away land filled with explosive movement of home,” promises Munyama.
The dance features Nelago Gloria Shilongoh, providing a beautiful spoken word in Oshiwambo to direct this piece choreographed by Munyama and Da-mâi Dance Ensemble with live percussive instruments played by full-time students of the COTA, Tapz Afrique Munya, Tendai Dendera and musician Nyasha Chirau. Seasoned dancers featuring include all performers in the much acclaimed Anima by First Rain Dance Theatre, Justina Andreas, Faizel Browny and West Uariye as well as newcomers Patricia Amooma, Petrina Henok, Joy Kaperu and Gift Uzera. Gloria Shilongoh who won best Actress in the Namibia Film and Theatre Awards (NFTA).
Tickets are available at the door for N$50 and the show starts at seven O’clock (19H00).