Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Drama Department presents the annual Dance Production, a season of contemporary dance entitled Unspoken , directed by Mdu Mtshali…

Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Drama Department presents the annual Dance Production, a season of contemporary dance entitled Unspoken , directed by Mdu Mtshali.

“ Unspoken deals with issue of identity, acceptance, growing tension, skin, layers, tolerance and approval. Works are about interpersonal, personal and community dynamics,” explains Mdu Mtshali.

Unspoken involves 16 second-year students, and 23 third-year students who specialise in dance theatre, and showcases five new works by Durban based choreographers: Mdu Mtshali, Neliswa Rushualang, Sifiso ‘Kitsona” Khumalo and Sphelele Nzama.

Some highlights of the season include Colours of Dreams performed by the third-year dance specialists at the Dance Umbrella in March 2011. Clay powder in its buff tactility forms a central component to this piece which presents one kaleidoscopic permutation of bodies plotted against one after another, after another, and the work never wilts in its freshness, evolving and folding around new physical values and possibilities, with smoothness.

While Eastern sensibilities are evoked – in particular, the many-armed Hindu god, Kali, in several dance arrangements and gestures – the work irrevocably and movingly engages with the mystery of death and the intransigence of cultural ritual which gives life a focus.

Unspoken runs from September 12 to 16 nightly at 19h00 in DUT’s Courtyard Theatre Mansfield / Steve Biko Road. Entrance R20. More information from Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194.

– By Art Smart