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Cosi…Cosi, A Gripping DUT Production

Cosi…Cosi, A Gripping DUT Production

The Durban University of Technology’s Drama and Production Studies Department did not disappoint with its latest installment Cosi…Cosi which is currently running at the DUT Courtyard Theatre until Friday (12 October 2012) this week.

Directed by DUT Alumnus and Dance Lecturer Mdu Mtshali, the production involves all DUT second and third-year theatre dance students and showcases five new works by Durban-based choreographers Sifiso Khumalo, Neliswa Rashualang, Sifiso Majola as well as Mtshali.

Inspired by the old traditions of African storytelling, the choreography in “Cosi….Cosi” explores both dance and drama as integral forms of communications.

The production kicks off with Nokulunga’s Wedding, which tells the story about Nokulunga (played by Mayenziwe Zuma) a 16 year-old girl from Mount Frere who was forced into a loveless marriage by a stranger.

The heart-wrenching dance drama is taken from internationally renowned South African storyteller Gcina Mhlope’s tale: Nokulunga’s Wedding. Before being forced into the marriage, Nokulunga is abducted by her future husband and instead of protecting their daughter; Nokulunga’s parents give her away to her rapist in exchange for ilobolo.

Nokulunga’s hatred for her unremorseful and unashamed husband clearly shows. Her stare is cold and deadly.

The second installment UNTITLED with the quotation “the shortest distance between two points is a straight line” is superbly coordinated. The dancers, who wore red and black costumes, are well synchronised.
In Long Hand, the third dance piece, the dancers are dressed in modern clothes and play out a variety of symbolic and literal interactions.
Fast forward into the rape scene in Nokulunga’s Wedding, the fifth piece explores the pain and trauma of a rape. With different dancers taking the role, we see the actors convincingly act the role of victim, trying to escape from the emotional pain and the painful memories which linger and constantly manage to pull them back. Nokulunga cannot escape from the terrible flashbacks of her rape. The piece is heart-wrenching, evokes emotions of sadness and was superbly put together and executed by the dancers.

The final piece, Ask Me about my Origin, sees a line of young maidens enter, dressed in long black socks, short towel wraps and plain black tops. Their heads are covered with pieces of pure white lace.
The matriarch, played with intelligence and stature by Londiwe Ngwazi. The girls move well.

– Sinegugu Ndlovu

Caption: One of the scenes in Ask Me about my Origin, one of the dance pieces in the DUT Drama Studies Department’s Cosi…Cosi which is currently running at the DUT Courtyard Theatre.

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