The importance of water stressed in dance piece
Humans, animals suffer from drought
What would happen if one day we all wake up in a world without water? How far would we go?
It goes without saying that everything that breathes would not last that long. These are the questions that choreographer Mduduzi Nhlapo poses in his first dance piece Kiu, a Swahili word for thirst.
The dance piece is conceptualised, directed and choreographed by Nhlapo.
It is a diverse narrative signifying the critical age of drought in Africa and the significance of preserving water.
The piece is inspired by an article that Nhlapo read about a drought-stricken village in Kenya, where women walk many kilometres to get water.
Born in Winterveld, northwest of Pretoria, Nhlapo highlights the importance of saving water.
He argues that many South Africans are not taking the call to save water serious.
“I am asking myself what would happen if we all wake up one day and there is not even a drop of water?
“Are we going to start then to take the issue of water serious? It will be too late. Without water humans, animals and plants will suffer.”
Nhlapo, 27, tells the story of water through Afro-fusion movements with Afrocentric music. He defines Kiu as a moving dance experience.
“It is raw, sensitive, intense, hostile, sensuous, meditative and soul-searching.
“It is about a poignant and quest for redemption to quench the thirst that seems to be destabilising humanity.
“This thirst is highlighted as human’s great desire, leading to dystopia and civil unrest,” he says.
Kiu premiered at the South African State Theatre (SAST) in Pretoria last year and received rave reviews.
The piece is heading to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, taking place from June 28 until July 8.
After a run in Grahamstown, Kiu will return to the SAST for a two-week season.
As much as Nhlapo has written and directed a number of stage productions, Kiu is his first dance productions.
The young playwright is known for his robust, controversial and provocative approach to his writings.
He has penned down plays such as Who Stole the e-toll, The Absent Figure, Revolution by the Dead and co-wrote Rocks and Roses with Sello Maseko.
He recently choreographed Aubrey Sekhabi’s musical Freedom that had a season at the SAST.
Nhlapo has a degree in drama and film from the University of Pretoria.
Catch Kiu on July 1 and 2 at the Rhodes Theatre in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape