This diptych of two choreographies reflects Via Katlehong’s impetuous spirit. Since 1992 this South African dance company has been maintaining the heritage of pantsula, a dance that emerged from Johannesburg’s townships in the 1960s and is characterised by the virtuosity of its rapid steps. First up in Via Injabulo and influenced by his research into African-American urban dance, the Portuguese choreographer Marco da Silva Ferreira immerses the group in a clubbing atmosphere with intense rhythms in førm Inførms. Then, in Emaphakathi, French choreographer Amala Dianor brings out the joy of being together inherent in this social dance, with sounds of beating feet and shouts accompanying the dance. A lively ensemble reflecting the hybrid nature of South African dance where traditional and contemporary urban dances meet.
Création 2022 / Chorégraphie : Marco da Silva Ferreira (première partie førm Inførms), Amala Dianor (deuxième partie Emaphakathini) / Avec les danseur·euse·s de Via Katlehong : Julia Burnham, Katleho Lekhula, Monicca Magoro, Lungile Mahlangu, Kgadi Motsoane, Thato Qofela, Abel Vilakazi / Musique : Jonathan Uliel Saldanha (førm Inførms), Awir Leon (Emaphakathini) / Lumière : Cárin Geada / Costumes, stylisme : Dark Dindie styling concept (førm Inførms), Julia Burnham (Emaphakathini) / Régisseur général : Alexander Farmer et Johanna Tyrole / Directeurs de projet : Buru Mohlabane, Steven Faleni | Via Katlehong / Diffusion : Damien Valette / Coordination : Camille Aumont
Production : Via Katlehong Dance, Damien Valette Prod / Coproduction : Chaillot Théâtre National de la Danse, Théâtre de la Ville - Paris, Maison de la Danse - Lyon, Festival DDD - Teatro Municipal do Porto, Le Grand T – Théâtre de Loire Atlantique, Créteil - Maison des Arts, Festival d’Avignon, Espace 1789 – Scène conventionnée danse de Saint-Ouen / Remerciement à la ville d'Ekurhuleni – département du sport, des loisirs, des arts et de la culture