Mamela Nyamza | Hatched Ensemble

Ten dancers timidly balancing on their toes with their backs to the audience move to the notes of Le Cygne by Camille Saint-Saëns: thus opens HATCHED ENSEMBLE. As they hide their faces, they display small handcrafted iron sculptures. The choreography is developed by South African artist Mamela Nyamza, known for demystifying and deconstructing dance history by trampling on the norms and standards of the classics. Using unremarkable household materials such as clothespins, a clothesline, plastic sheeting and a few red aprons, the dancers conjure up images reminiscent of the work one does at home, moving in an exceptionally precise and poignant manner. Inspired by Western classical music, dance and South African vocal scores, they compare the movement vocabulary of their different cultures. The dancers tell deeply personal stories that challenge racial and gender norms, while their movements are punctuated by moments of miniaturized ballet, performed with frenzy and joy. With small gestures and great sensitivity, an entire universe, the existence of which the history of dance would never have suspected, brimming with urgency and subtle virtuosity, opens up.

Co-producers National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC): Makhanda National Arts Festival of South Africa (NAF)
Concept, Choreography and Direction Mamela Nyamza
Rehearsal coordinator Kirsty Ndawo
Lighting Buntu Tyali
Costumes Mamela Nyamza & Bhungane Mehlomakulu
Opera singer Litho Nqai
African typical instruments Given “Azah” Mphago
Dancers Kearabetswe Mogotsi, Khaya Ndlovu, Thamsanqa Tshabalala, Dineo Mapoma, Itumeleng Chiloane, Amohelang Rooiland, Noluyanda Mqulwana, Zandile Constable, Pavishen Paideya, Thimna Sitokisi