A new dance work under the Third Space project banner: Choreographer Panaibra Canda (Mozambique) and scenographer Elton Rafael Davids (Mozambique) join dancers from the Gompo Arts Centre in residence at the Centre. Over several weeks, they produce a new dance work drawing from shared references and interests, across countries and movement.
Panaibra Canda, in collaboration with Elton David, and the dance ensemble from Gompo Arts Centre developes an imaginary space to create narratives inspired by our childhood dreams and who we are. The inner child is a guide who brings our dreams as a life constellation.
It is a space of deferred dreams and dazzling, golden realities. It is a space of encounter between the 'SELF' and 'OTHER', where dreams may show ourselves in a past life, coming into our present as constellations.
Golden City is a new project of The National Arts Festival, together with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) with the support of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and in partnership with the Gompo Art Centre (Eastern Cape).
This dance work is one of three new works at the Festival this year resulting from the collaborative initiative between the National Arts Festival (NAF) and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS). Third Space is a ground-breaking dance development programme including renowned choreographers and scenographers from South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique and Tanzania working with dancers from three community art centres (Gompo Arts Centre, Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, and The Kubu Collective at the Market Community Theatre) respectively based in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Western Cape.
An educational programme, Third Space will see the choreographers, scenographers and centres transmitting and exchanging skills with each other in addition to offering their learnings to the surrounding communities through a series of workshops.
Production Credits
Project Production Partners
The National Arts Festival, together with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) with the support of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
About the Artists
About the choreographer
Panaibra Gabriel Canda’s work reflects his country’s postcolonial upheavals. He has studied theatre, dance and music in Mozambique and Portugal. His work has been presented all around the world and has won distinct prizes over the last 25 years. In his numerous guest appearances at European festivals, one is always reminded that intellectually grounded dance does not necessarily have to be boring, but can be dynamic and humorous. Panaibra’s famous Marrabenta Solos are an effective antidote to the dreary German-style concept dance. They describe the political development of his country since its independence through body language, showing the communist, the totalitarian, the democratic body as either pure or as an advanced mixed form.
In 1998, he founded CulturArte – Cultura e Arte em Movimento, perhaps the first and only production space for contemporary dance in Mozambique. Panaibra’s dedication as artistic director and choreographer lies in supporting and developing the local and regional dance scene, including creations, performances and training programmes. He also develops collaborations with artists in southern Africa and Europe as well as collaborating with artists of other disciplines.
About the scenographer
Elton Rafael David is a renowned set designer, photographer, and videographer whose eclectic talent and distinctive artistic vision set him apart in the contemporary cultural scene. His artistic journey began in his hometown, where he immersed himself in the study of set design, photography, and videography.
His exceptional ability to create engaging and captivating visual environments quickly led him to prominent projects around the world, specifically his involvement in the project "Mentiras Aplaudidas" by the renowned Mozambican dancer and choreographer Panaíbra Canda. He has won international photography awards in the categories of female portrait, child portrait, and fashion photography. His professional journey is marked by an unwavering passion for the world of visual and performing arts.
The Gompo Arts Centre dancers
Visual artist Bahle Menziwa and dancers, Yonela Tana Gobingca, Phumzile Zakaza, Simvuyele 'SimzADV' Hala, Kamva Muti, Owen King , Unathi Xenti, Nosphiwo 'Nickita' Kungeka, Sibongile 'Queen Bee' Stevens
- Venue: Nombulelo
- Location: Nombulelo Hall
- Ticket price: ZAR 55.00
- Programme type: Third Space
- Genre: Dance & Physical Theatre
- Duration: 45min
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Ages:
ALL AGES
There are no performances for this show.
