Hatched Ensemble
Mamelas Artistic Movement | South Africa
Thursday 5 June and Friday 6 June
Theatre of the Society for Macedonian Studies
The International Forest Festival of the National Theatre of Northern Greece returns to Thessaloniki from 31 May to 13 June with an impressive programme of innovative proposals from the international theatre scene
This year, the city will host productions from England, France, Belgium, Lebanon, South Africa and Uruguay. The festival programme will be accompanied by a series of parallel activities in the form of workshops and discussions.
In the new era that is taking shape around us, it is imperative that theatre stands up to the dominant discourses and moulds new fields of visibility. It is vital that it focuses on the cracks that are opening up in the hegemonic narratives, creates new ways for and loci where minds can meet, and reinvents new possibilities of coexistence. The artists bring with them the personal experiences with which they attempt to make sense of multiple realities that are finding it hard to coexist in a world of extreme contrasts and marginalized communities.
Ten dancers timidly balancing on the tips of their pointes with their backs turned to the audience, on the tones of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Le Cygne, so opens HATCHED ENSEMBLE. While hiding their faces, they display small, handcrafted ironwork sculptures. The captivating choreography is developed by South African artist Mamela Nyamza, known for unapologetically demystifying, deconstructing the history of dance, while trampling on the norms and standards of the classics. Using sparse household materials, clothespins, a clothesline, plastic ponchos and red aprons, the dancers evoke images reminiscent of domestic labor, that evolve in an exceptionally precise and touching way. Referencing both classical Western music, dance and South-African vocal scores, they juxtapose movement vocabulary from their diverse cultures. The dancers convey deeply personal stories challenging race and gender norms, while their movements are peppered with moments of miniaturized ballet, performed with frantic, joyful release. With minor gestures and major sensitivity, a whole universe is opened up, one that dance history would never have suspected to exist, overflowing from urgency and subtle virtuosity.
Credits
Hatched Ensemble
by Mamelas Artistic Movement
Concept/Choreography/Direction: Mamela Nyamza
Rehearsal Management: Kirsty Ndawo
Costume Design: Mamela Nyamza
Lighting Design: Buntu Tyali
Publicist: Khaya Ndlovu
Rehearsal Manager of dancers: Kirsty Ndawo
On stage
Opera Singer: Litho Nqai
African Traditional Multi-Instrumentalist: Given “Azah” Mphago
Dancer Artists: Kirsty Ndawo (Rehearsal Manager), Kearabetswe Mogotsi, Khaya Ndlovu (Publicist), Thamsanqa Tshabalala, Dineo Mapoma, Mbali Brandt, Noluyanda Mqulwana, Zandile Constable, Pavishen Paideya, Thimna Sitokisi
Reservations / Tickets
Full price: 13 €
Discount Ticket (Over 65s, Group ticket for 10 people, Educators): 10 €
Student - Pupil: 8 €
Co-producers of HATCHED ENSEMBLE: National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) and Makhanda National Arts Festival of South Africa (NAF).