The closing performance of Season 8’s debut programme, Toro occupies a state of dreamlike incoherence and plays with the notions of sight, communication, breath, mythology, lucidity and more through a feverish and immersive ensemble work.

One by one, they occupy the stage. There is laughter, shrieking, obscured faces, disparate music, and ominous visages. Absurdity and humour, too. In and amongst the fray, there is the repeated scenario of being caught with one’s pants down, while a carboard box on legs fumbles about the stage. The overall scene builds and grows, becomes something of a nightmare ensemble, a hazy and intangible cacophony of fears, dreams, places and faces. A character emerges, stands centre stage and flips forward, landing with a crash that’s loud enough to break the fever-pitch of sound and activity.

A seamless segue into abstraction takes place. It is a move further towards the incoherent and the unresolved, although this time with a sobering air. A single voice emerges, sounding out from the corner of the stage. The lights fade and give way to a haunting lucidity before fading to black, a deep, long sleep held only by the silence.

- David Mann

CREDITS:

CONCEPTUALISERS & PERFORMERS | Zarcia Zacheus, Siphumeze Khundayi, Calvin Ratladi, Iman Isaacs, Faniswa Yisa, Sinenhlanhla Mgeyi, Ayanda Seoka, Katlego KayGee Letsholonyane, Micca Manganye, Sibahle Mangena, Thabo Rapoo, Thembinkosi Mavimbela, Thulisile Binda, Khanyisile Ngwabe & Muzi Shili