THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Centre for Creative Arts' JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, which takes place in Durban until next Sunday (September 8) will feature two performances from India by the Bangalore-based dancer and choreographer Deepak Kurki Shivaswamy.
The performances will be presented both at UKZN, Durban, and at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg with the support of the Consulate-General of India (Durban & Johannesburg) and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India.
The performances will be at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban on Thursday and Friday (5 & 6 September), and at JOMBA! @The Market in Johannesburg on September 11 and 12.
The performances are part of a larger contemporary dance programme that includes workshops, panel discussions, and virtual screen dance presentations taking place at various venues in Durban, and followed by a condensed version in Johannesburg.
Shivaswamy, trained in Yoga, and Indian martial art Kalaripayattu has been developing pedagogy for contemporary dance since 2004. He is a significant figure in contemporary dance, exploring modern Indian identities and the evolving concept of home. His latest double bill, titled "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam", which also features choreographers and dancers Prashant More and Mirra, reflects this journey.
The term, which translates to "the world is one family," serves as a guiding principle for his performances at JOMBA!.
Shivaswamy explains, “This concept of universal kinship inspires our work, using dance as a universal language to connect and resonate with audiences globally.”
His first piece, Weight of Time, challenges conventional notions of art's purpose. It invites audiences to let go of expectations and simply be present, savouring the performance as an experience in itself.
Shivaswamy’s second piece, Mycelium Maatu, draws inspiration from the mycelium - a natural network of fungal threads that interconnect in intricate, organic patterns.
This concept influences his approach to dance, encouraging a creation that mirrors the mycelium’s interconnected and evolving structure.
Among the exciting additions to JOMBA! 2024 are opportunities for audiences to engage directly with dancers and choreographers.
These include special sessions where attendees can hear from the artists about their creative processes and works. Shivaswamy will join JOMBA! curator Lliane Loots on Friday for an on-stage discussion following his performance, as part of the JOMBA! TALKS DANCE series.
This conversation will offer insights into Shivaswamy’s work and creative vision.
He will also lead a free workshop titled Aattam Idam: A Place for Playing, alongside Prashant More and Mirra, scheduled from 4pm at the UKZN - Howard College Campus Drama and the Performance Studies Dance Studio in Durban.
The workshop is offered free of charge to participants, but booking is essential as places are limited. The workshop is only open to dancers over 16 years. Book with email at thobimaphanga@gmail.com