By John Owoo

(In Berlin – Germany)

“Mutual Crossings” – a duet choreographed by Black Pearl proved to be a befitting opener for the 2024 edition of Kuyum Tanzplattform with its powerful message on the imbalance of diverse ecosystems. 

Performing at the Theater Haus Berlin, Fetish Priesta and Pearl employed subtle and galvanizing movements while harnessing music, which played a significant part of the show.   

With live musical gadgets on stage, which produced guttural sounds and melody, the two dancers moved in jerky synchronicity while fluorescent slides projected on screens behind them portrayed a planet that is beset with unsurmountable problems. 

In a solo performance, France based Burkinabe dancer / choreographer Jérôme Kabore presented an impressive, riveting and fresh piece titled “Les Ombres Qui Chantent”, that was characterized by high energy from beginning to the end. 

Rapid propelled movements whipped the air while questioning how we can re-enact the works by prominent African leaders such as Thomas Sankara, Aimé Césaire, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela and Léopold Sedar Senghor among others. 

With images zooming on the screen and music blaring out of loudspeakers, Kabore’s precarious moves uniquely reflected his politically tinged choreography, which has electrified audiences in Europe and Africa.

“Cash Baby” by Franco-Senegalese dancer Yvonne Sembene, who explored the historical and contemporary issues of black female identity and its relationship to money,  unpacked a performance that was both uplifting and emotional at the same time.

With cash scattered all over the stage, she expressed sensory movements that synchronised and projected an aura of internal power. This she made possible through an ambience that was uplifting while radiating emotions of tranquillity, hope and victory. 

“A House of Peace” by Tanzanian dancer / choregrapher Tadhi Alawi comprised projection of historcal photos of the Tanzanian capital and the positive / negative changes that have beset this city of five million inhabitants. 

Employing swift and subtle movements while criss crossing the stage, he was consumed by nostalgia as images of the city he has fallen in love with flashed on the screens revealing problems with governance and development. 

The festival is being sponsored by Hauptstadt Kultur Fonds and Theatre Haus Berlin with friendly support from HZT, Joliba, Berlin Mondiale and Tanz Fähig. Media partners include Berlin Art Link, Rausgegangen, Stadtkultur Berlin, Dinamix and www.artsghana.net. 

Pix – thabo thindi

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