Toosee Via Katlehong Dance is a prescription for a good time! The company of seven male dancers Mandlenkosi Fanie, Vuyani Feni, Lemi Fudumele, Mpho Malotana, Vusi Mdoyi, Buru Mohlabane, and Thato Qofela), one narrator (Zolani Qwabe) and the only female, the singer, Nolwazi Ngidi, finishes their two week run of Katlehong Cabaret at Peak Performances this weekend (March 22-24). Walk in the theatre and on stage there are no wings, but milk crates, a clothes line, and a crate and table left for the narrator fill the space. The performers soon enter the space from the stage or through the audience inviting us to join in on the fun as they shake hands, carry their gum boots, bring props (a djembe drum, a tin garbage can) and of course offer big hellos. From here begins the journey,“taking us back…back to the original.” We are brought to the
township of Katlehong where they show us how vibrant it always is with young, old school and traditional dancers moving at lightning speed and singing upbeat songs because their energy seems to never end. From the dancing in gumboots or tap shoes, to Ngidi’s incredible voice punctuating each scene, this cast spared nothing from beginning to end. Most memorable was Ngidi’s rendition of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine when she’s gone” framed by the gumboot story-ballet of miners leaving their family for a day’s work. This stirring section, lit mainly by the light from their miner’s hard hats, was nicely choreographed and danced by way of a processional. It would not be a Via Katlehong Dance performance without a few light-hearted sections, two of notes were bringing members of the audience to the stage midway to join in the fun, and another which comes at the absolute end…but I won’t spoil that surprise. Run, don’t walk, but go see Via Katlehong Dance in Katlehong Cabaret! For more information visit www.peakperfs.org.
township of Katlehong where they show us how vibrant it always is with young, old school and traditional dancers moving at lightning speed and singing upbeat songs because their energy seems to never end. From the dancing in gumboots or tap shoes, to Ngidi’s incredible voice punctuating each scene, this cast spared nothing from beginning to end. Most memorable was Ngidi’s rendition of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine when she’s gone” framed by the gumboot story-ballet of miners leaving their family for a day’s work. This stirring section, lit mainly by the light from their miner’s hard hats, was nicely choreographed and danced by way of a processional. It would not be a Via Katlehong Dance performance without a few light-hearted sections, two of notes were bringing members of the audience to the stage midway to join in the fun, and another which comes at the absolute end…but I won’t spoil that surprise. Run, don’t walk, but go see Via Katlehong Dance in Katlehong Cabaret! For more information visit www.peakperfs.org.
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