Explosion of energy

A dynamic dance show presented by South Africa’s celebrated Tribanghi Dance Theatre, a unique dance company from Johannesburg is to be staged at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on January 30 and 31 at 7 p.m.

This event is being organized by the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust, International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES), Law & Society Trust and Tiruchelvam Associates with the support of the Indian High Commission to mark the life and work of Dr. Tiruchelvam whose 63rd birth anniversary falls on January 31. The Tribhangi Dance Theatre combine Bharatanatyam and African Zulu styles to percussion rhythms from both traditions. Tribanghi represents the post-apartheid era by uniting communities through inter-cultural dialogue based on Zulu and Indian dance.

The director Jayesperi Moopen, a fifth generation Indian, regarded as a ‘traditional Indian choreographer’ is nevertheless credited with exploring cross-cultural idioms, especially African forms, and her work has been showcased in the country’s Dance umbrella and similar platforms.

This production includes three virile and athletic African men. In skirted Zulu-warrior mode, they could lay waste to any stage with ease. The three eqally remarkable women are Africans of South Asian lineage, trained in India’s revered Bharatanatyam dance tradition.

They dance a visual feast of cross-cultural fusion animated by pulsing music and energized drumming- an explosion of joyous energy.
Tribhangi Dance Theatre has performed in various festivals and venues in India, South Africa and Europe, including performances during the Football World Cup, which took place in Germany last summer. TV shows and special functions like performing at Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebrations are all part of the company experience. In addition to the two main concerts the Tribhangi Group will also conduct a workshop for selected dancers during their stay in Colombo. For more information call ICES on 2685085 or 2679745.