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SADHANA

SADHANA

Date: 2017-03-24

This newest offering from the same acclaimed team that brought the award winning Bhakti & Migration - 'At the feet of Kali' is choreographed by Lliane Loots, who once again, steps boldly into Eastern mystical philosophy and its confluence with African rhythms and dance, to create a dance theatre feast for the senses. I have had the privilege of visually experiencing the creative genius of Lliane Loots's previous offerings and it is resplendent, intense and captivating.

Loots expresses, "it is a rare and very precious moment for me to make dance work that allows for a more inward and contemplative artistic journey," says Loots, "and so I am relishing this creative process that allows me to collaborate with Durban's finest dance and musical talent. The very make-up of the cast of dancers and musicians tells a story of multiple histories and identities and so the chance to explore what being South African means to all of us in our own divergent artistic ways, is the very fabric of Sadhana."

Loots joins forces with the six Flatfoot Dance Company dancers, Sifiso Khumalo, Tshediso Kabulu, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Jabu Siphika, Kim Mccusker-Bartlett and Zinhle Nzama, who bring their own brand of contemporary African dance that is seeing this company being invited all over the world. For Sadhana, they are joined by Kathak aficionado and master, Manesh Maharaj, known for his intrepid Kathak solo work. This is his third performance collaboration with Loots who says, "Manesh is probably one of South Africa's finest dancers at the moment and both myself and Flatfoot have been graced to work collaboratively with him over the past 3 years. His ability to share his own Kathak style so generously with us and his ability to cross borders into contemporary dance makes him the biggest jewel in the Sadhana 'crown'.

Sadhana is a Sanskrit word that means a journey towards enlightenment that honours both intellectual, emotional and spiritual seeking. Sadhana is a term rooted in Eastern mystical philosophy and Loots, as choreographer, comes to this to encompass a type of journeying we all do as South Africans as we fight for memory and the promises of our own 'enlightenment'.Sadhanais about what we are prepared to shed in our own voyages to decolonising both the mind and body. Sadhana is, politically powerful and deeply beautiful to watch.

It works on a kind of fusion/trans-cultural dance language that uses the rhythms of classical Indian dance styles (specifically Kathak) overlaid on the African contemporary dancing body. The work itself has the aesthetics of a long pilgrimage that is taken by both dancer and audience as we journey into the heart of what defines us as African - as both social and spiritual beings.

Stalwart South African musician Madala Kunene whose unique African guitar rhythms set up the sound score of the work, integral to the piece . He is accompanied by djembe drummer Mandla Matsha and tabla player Revash Dookhi.

The Flatfoot Dance Company presents Sadhana at the Drama Theatre, Playhouse from March 23 to 26.