A group of people, draped in the uniform of prayer, gather in physical and musical union, rooted in faith. It is a common South African scene and, in Johannesburg, one you’ll see at the riverbanks, in open fields, or even moving through the streets of the inner-city. It is amaZayoni, the ZCC.

In isiThunywa, a performance rooted in the religious practice of amaZayoni, the music, motion, and spirituality of this practice is explored and honoured through performance. An ensemble work that draws on the Season 8 provocations of both breath and mythology, isiThunywa is a piece that is full of movement and musicality. The performers perform in unison, channelling song, text, and physicality.

Like isiThunywa, a universal spirit found in people and nature alike, the piece journeys through time and space. It is a spiritual, representational and mythical journey through a performance that is equal parts climactic and contemplative. Together, the cast are a steady fire, a moveable chorus, journeying towards the light, towards the quintessence of the Spirit-Diviner.

– David Mann

CREDITS:

WRITER & DIRECTOR | Phala O. Phala
CHOREOGRAPHERS | Thabo Rapoo & Muzi Shili
PERFORMERS | Phala O. Phala, Bongile Gorata Lecoge-Zulu, Khanyisile Ngwabe, Sibahle Mangena, Micca Manganye, Muzi Shili & Thabo Rapoo