By John Owoo
(In Tunis – Tunisia)
Carthage International Dance Festival 2023
Colourful costumes, wild drum beats, chiffon head braids, cool rhythms from traditional flutes wide crowns, bead necklaces, painted sticks, musicians and dancers alike – stay in position – as they wait for a cue to commence the performance.
Dubbed “Dbak Tball”, the performance, which was put together by the Tunisia National Folk Arts Troupe and the Tunis Opera Theatre – reminisced the beauty and cohesive power of tradition and culture – as the capacity audience impatiently waited for the show to commence.
In a remarkable performance at the Bernard Turin Theatre, the dancers moved forwards, backwards and sideways as drums, flutes and keyboards fill the theatre with melodies and steps that recall the richness and beauty of traditions in the North-Western part of Tunisia.
“It was a memorable event performed by marvellous artists, who are proud of their culture. I am extremely delighted to have seen this performance and thanks to the directors of the group for preserving and sustaining this vibrant music and dance”, said a Pierre Letornou, retired artist from France.
With typical steps and one arm raised and the other outstretched, the drummers join in unison while a master drummer with two huge drums kept the tempo on stage. At some point they become Dervish turners and engage in over one dozen rotation stunts.
In another performance at the El Hamra Theatre, a powerful duet by Améni Chatti and Alma Douki drew inspiration from a bond between two sisters while revealing the looming possibilities of a fall out.
Titled “Libération”, the dancers engaged in a dialogue with swift movements connoting tension and some level of anxiety among them. With a tinge of minimalism, a lone sofa on stage became a rallying point for the piece, which equally exhibited peace, passion and angst.
Through perceptive moments and gestures, they managed to capture the substance of life and mortality while reminding the audience of the tenuousness of life and the beauty of the human spirit, which remains firm in the face of adversity.
The two dancers were often in a tight and loose grouping, which reminds us of the realities of life and the consequences that can befall humankind, including ones that can deeply hurt and wound one’s soul.
Pictures – Carthage International Dance Festival
