uVuyo - Music and Dance in Motion, 6 August 2024

uVuyo - Music and Dance in Motion
Baxter Concert Hall
6 August 2024, 7pm

A collaboration between the South African College of Music and the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies
at the University of Cape Town

CREATIVE TEAM


CHOREOGRAPHY &
DIRECTORS
Lisa Wilson
Maxwell Rani
Ché Adams
Saranya Devan


MUSICAL DIRECTORS
Prof Dizu Plaatjies
Dr Bronwen Clacherty
Dr Rick Deja


LIGHTING DESIGN
Shamiel Abrahams


SOUND DESIGN
Izan Greyling


SPANISH

Sentido Flamenco
Choreographed by Ché Adams
Performed by Tierra Flamenca: Demi Johnson, Julia de Rosenwerth, Dawn Jackson, Leilani Beer, Michele Wentworth, Samantha Valentine, Shae Behari-Leak, Ché Adams

Music
Albeniz’s Asturias,
traditional Alegria &
Tanguillos.

GUIITARISTS
Bienyameen Camroodien, Daawood Camroodien


Sentido Flamenco explores the range of Spanish flamenco senses - what we hear, see, and feel. We start with the evocative tones of Albeniz’s Asturias with castanets, followed by the lively, joyous rhythms of a traditional Alegria, and conclude with the spirited, playful Tanguillos. Each piece brings its own unique flavor, showcasing the rich diversity and emotional depth of flamenco.


INDIAN

Ānanda
Choreographed by Saranya Devan
Performed by Karabo Seitshiro, Tameka Petersen, Erica Strauss, Natasha Tsanwani and Chanté Vermeulen
Music Abbaji by Anandan Sivamani
African Percussion Keketso Bolofo


A coming together of like-minded people or friends as they celebrate and bask in the joy of dancing. Fast rhythmic beats, facial expressions and hastas (hand gestures) have been combined to reflect the state of bliss or Ānanda.


Devi-nity
Choreographed and performed by Saranya Devan
Music Devi Sthuthi by Anju Aravind – A Carnatic Acapella


As Women’s Day will be celebrated in this week on 9 August, Devan chose to create a work that pays homage to Devi, the female figure.
In this piece, you will see Devi as one with a loving nature through the role of Mother known as Thaaye, Devi as the mother of Knowledge – also known as Goddess Saraswati, Devi in a state of valour through the Goddess Shakti and Devi in light of prosperity, also known as Goddess Lakshmi.




AFRICAN

Choreographed by Maxwell Rani
Performed by DANCERS Yondisa Mhlaluka, Lara Miller, Shante Solomons, Ano Hashibi, Karabo Seitshiro
Music BY UCT Ibuyambo Orchestra & the Pan African Ensemble


Nobabheha
Composer Amampondo
This dance piece is inspired by Nobabheha, a well-respected villager, from whom the villagers seek wisdom and guidance. The movement and language of this work thus revolve around the narrative of this one individual.


Isigebenga
Composer Xhosa traditional
This piece is relevant to most black South Africans. It is about chasing a criminal and seeking justice. This common story in black communities inspired the dancers to articulate movements that reflect their experiences of criminality and women as victims of violence.


Uthando luphelile
Composer Latozi Madosini Mpahleni
Arrangement by Thabisa Dinga and Keketso Bolofo
This piece is about longing, pain, betrayal and loneliness. The famous South African bow player, Madosini, experienced being a social outcast as a child due to polio. The piece vividly portrays the deep pain she endured from losing love in her life. With heartfelt emotion, she sings, “I am shedding tears as love has abandoned me.”


Qhubeka
Composer Rick Deja
Rick Deja composed this piece with a sansi, which has modified tuning to better collaborate with musical bows like uhadi. The lyrical theme speaks of persisting no matter what. It is encouraging us to continue (qhubeka) and says, Even when things are difficult don’t lose hope (Noba kunzima ungaphel’ithemba).





Usacheme (Don’t cry)
Composer Chiwoniso Maraire
The late Zimbawean mbira player, Chiwoniso composed this lullaby for her children. The dance reflects simplicity, effortlessness and femininity.


Uhambo
Composer Rick Deja
This piece explores the umrhubhe and its connection with the maskanda tradition. The lyrical theme expresses the connection between individual and collective endeavours in the spirit of Ubuntu. “Uhambo lwam’. Uhambo lwethu”. My journey is your journey; your journey is my journey, and so forth. The music inspired the lightness and finesse in the choreography and invites everybody in a wonderful rhythmic escapade.