Sensational Connections

An intriguing and mesmerising double bill of contemporary dance works, Interim and Lingering, explore connections; human and mental.

South African Thami Majela and Swede Margarita Kennedy choreograph and perform Interim. Darkness is used as the metaphor for exploration and it is an experientially comforting space in which to find yourself. At one point, all besides sight is stimulated. In the safe space of the Soweto Theatre, a somewhat meditative state occurs, allowing you to feel fully present and relent control, while unexpected noises and smells happen alongside you. Birds tweeting, floral print clothing and sweet-smelling roses accompany smooth movement, transporting you to a serene and calm space.

Interim delivers a feeling of improvisation in use, in following with playing and a true intuitive interaction. In this you feel the wonder of what the performers will do next. Their circling of each other points to our daily lives – we cautiously feel out a person before we allow them into our personal space. And in the moment of that spotlight, Majela and Kennedy find the impetus to discover a genuinely spontaneous connection.

So too, the internal connections of the mind and inner workings of a lingering thought are explored in the second half.

Lingering is a pleasure to witness. Sonia Radebe and Teresa Mojela are physically brilliant and form a powerful presence on stage. In format, they design the work so our thoughts are constantly firing, with still images appearing then fading or distorting, reappearing again: two women uncomfortable in their garments, dressing for the day, waiting for transport, helping each other and hindering each other (with this the innumerable relationships which spring to mind), a trapping, an overcoming.

But they do more – their bodies become zapping neurons flashing between ideas. Form and content fuse in the work. From the beginning, their discomfort is recognised through their fiddling with and fixing their panties and bra clips. Their insecurities span into daily life. Two women in business suits, a symbol of success and power, dance to the words, “don’t know any different that you’re proud of me” from James Blake’s Not Long Now. Approval and reassurance must still be sought after. Although the soundtrack is sorrowful, there is a defiance and strength that filters through Radebe and Mojela’s performances.

In rings of light we witness their symbolic transformation into understanding – the light bulb ‘idea’ is effectively imagined by set designer Karabo Legoabe. The women know who they are and claim their illumination. The striking end image sees the women owning their own mind space.

The works as a double bill complement each other well. Both feel experimentally created and are edgy but balanced with substance and authenticity. A double bill means shorter works; it will be interesting if the artists choose to extend their pieces to full length – both have the potential in their richly inviting imagery and thoughtful creativity.

– Sarah Roberson

• Dance Umbrella ends Sunday 06 March. Visit www.danceforum southafrica.co.za to see the full programme.
• The edited version of this review was first published in The Star Tonight on 02 March 2016.
• Roberson is a participant in the Dance Writer’s Workshop funded by the Goethe-Institut.