Male rights vs male rites
circumcision means that the risk of infection (whether HIV, or postoperative) is ever present and in many instances fatal, in the same way that Baltrop’s images are imbued with the latent danger of infection during the anonymous sexual exchanges.”
In New York Ruga and his team’s original idea was to perform the work at the now gentrified Chelsea Piers: “As I say, a place that was once a major cruising space… outdoors… like a hammam on the banks of the Hudson, ek sê.”
Bakst and the Ballet Russe are Ruga’s big beulah inspirations. And cult performance artist, Vaginal Davis of, My Pussy is Still in LA (I Just Live in Berlin) fame.
“It’s indescribable really. She’s a big influence on me and my practice.”
Expect an “operatic noise” soundtrack, composed by Ruga and acclaimed Spoek Mathambo, which accompanies the actions of a group of synchronised swimmers, representing the amazibazana (mothers of the initiates).
Rising above the swimmers is the Ilulwane, performing a discordant aria against this soundscape – a lament and homage to the Castrati, the emasculated outsider group that is simultaneously admired and reviled.
The idea of castration and male rites of passage led Ruga to research and “dematerialise” the idea of the opera by using various elements from the baroque movement that utilised castrati in the pieces… like Haydn did.
“This grey area of masculinity in the mainstream is my obsession more than anything. Spoek was amazing in relaying this for me and the audience I hope.”
Although it was trauma and the illusive areas of masculinity in Ruga’s life that led him to this performance, I asked him how he would describe his performance piece at the Turkish Baths in simple terms to his gogo.
“I would say to Gogo: it’s a large work done in a swimming pool with young synchronised swimmers and video performance. It’s about displacement in society.”
Ilulwane is performed by Ruga with synchronised swimmers coached by Sue Manners-wood. It is presented by GIPCA in association with Whatiftheworld Gallery as part of Infecting the City Festival. The 45minute performance takes place on Wednesday at 9pm and March 9 at 8.45pm at the Long Street Baths. See www.infectingthecity.com, follow ITC on Twitter @infectingthecit or call Africa Centre on 021 418 3336.