Via Kanana is a collaborative dance work between Via Katlehong Dance group and choreographer Gregory Maqoma that returns to the fundamentals of the pantsula dance form and culture. It was first performed at The Centre for the Less Good Idea in February 2018 as part of the For Once programme.

From the onset, Via Kanana grapples with the notion of an African society at odds with itself, of a continent in the throes of widespread and historic corruption, greed and increasing disillusionment. The performance opens with a sweeping moment – a single figure drenched in digital, fragmented light. A robotic voice sounds out – “corrupt” – and the dancers take their places. Here, and throughout the performance, music becomes highly instructional, as do the striking images of the late South African photographer David Goldblatt, projected in full on the walls behind the ensemble.

Through sharp, imaginative choreography that draws on the foundations of pantsula, the performers journey through vast open landscapes, down rattling train lines and into the dynamic inner-city. Figureheads leer out from the front covers of newspapers, while the sound of trains chugging along adds to the movement on stage. Through music, movement and visuals, we are transported out of the city and into the country.

Performers jolt this way and that, oscillating between slow, mesmeric duets and frenetic ensemble work. Rallying spoken word adds another texture to the performance, speaking to loose, but resonant notions of freedom, thief-dom, corruption, hope and betterment.

Via Kanana is a performance that posits disillusionment and disenchantment as a means of caring for one’s continent, one’s home. As Maqoma explains: "We are all victims, we are all darkened by fear...this piece is a break amongst the clouds, bringing us light and hope".

– David Mann

CREDITS:

DANCERS | Tshepo Nchabeleng, Tshepo Mohlabane, Abel Vilakazi, Andile Nhlapo, Thato Qofela, Teboho Molelekeng, Julia Burnham & Lenela Leballo
TECHNICAL MANAGER, SET & LIGHTING DESIGNER | Oliver Hauser
CHOREOGRAPHERS | Gregory Maqoma & Via Katlehong Dance: Buru Mohlabane, Vusi Mdoyi & Steven Faleni
AUDIO-VISUAL DESIGNER | Jurgen Meekel
PHOTOGRAPHER | David Goldblatt
COMPOSER | Samuel Khabane
PROJECT DIRECTOR | Buru Mohlabane
CINEMATOGRAPHER | Kutlwano Makgalemele
JUNIOR CINEMATOGRAPHER | Chris Soal
EDITOR | Noah Cohen
PROJECT MANAGER | Shruthi Nair