Dance Umbrella: Still Here
The Dance Factory, Newtown ’Äî Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm (march 14/15)
Price: R50
Tel: (011) 482-4140 or 082-570-3083
WHAT does actor David Minnaar have in common with musician Jennifer Ferguson and choreographer Gregory Maqoma? They’re all performers in PJ Sabbagha’s new work, Still Here, which will be performed at the Dance Umbrella this week.
Still Here is a multimedia work that looks at 10 years of democracy and the issue of HIV/Aids. Sabbagha will take audiences on a non-narrative surreal journey that looks at the experiences of surviving love, loss, illness ’Äî and the rain.
It features original songs composed and performed by Ferguson. Sabbagha also collaborates with Nathaniel Stern (who won a Brett Kebble award for his digital-art installation piece, Step Inside). Stern brings to the work a video that sees Minnaar delivering a poetic monologue, as well as Sabbagha and longtime collaborator Athena Mazarakis dancing a love duet.
Along with Maqoma, up-and-coming choreographer, Nelisiwe Xaba, Craig Morris and Samantha Pienaar are just a few of the dancers.
Still Here is not Sabbagha’s first foray into HIV/Aids- inspired dance. The Double Room, and later There’s No Room In This Bed both explored the complex feelings and experiences that come to the fore when humans are faced with the reality of HIV/Aids.
Sabbagha’s integrity as a leading, innovative choreographer earned him the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for dance for
this year.
