Quest to unlock mental prisons to free Africans
Undo the Future aims to impress on self-worth
Undo the Future, a concept that is aimed at decolonising the minds of Africans, will be staged tonight at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.
The concept features a dance piece titled Dark Cell by Themba Mbuli and music by Lerato Lichaba.
Undo the Future is a call to engage in dialogue about making blacks understand their roots and seeking a solution to the problems of the past that affect the present.
According to Mbuli, Dark Cell is inspired by metaphors from imagery of ex-political prisoners on Robben Island. The work uses the concept of a prison cell as a metaphor for mental imprisonment.
“The mind is the worst prison a man can ever be in. While celebrating and commemorating South African history, the piece is embedded in the past as a mirror of contemporary society and reflection of post-colonial inferiorities.”
Mbuli explains that Dark Cell encourages mental freedom, and reminds people that they are responsible for their own self-freedom despite all the social, political and economic challenges. “The work uses props to animate dance movements and aspires to take the audience into a journey of realisation.”
Dark Cell also celebrates and commemorates South African history.
Musical insert Corners of Forgotten Theories is inspired by the scarcity of knowledge that defines African people beyond the modern lifestyle.
The conceptualised project is a sound scape of musical freedom that aims to channel Africans as primarily spiritual and emotional beings.
Lichaba, the performer, says: “We are increasingly moving away from our identity and cultural dominion and thus not putting into place structures and platforms that complement our traditions and heritage. Through this project, I aim to introduce listeners to their inner self, to reconnect them to their roots through observing the silent noise within and spirited self that goes beyond material gain and social acceptance.”