Resilience in Motion
By Hambisani Goge
The 26th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience kicked off on August 27, 2024, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (UKZN), celebrating 26 years of remarkable dance under the theme “finding our way home.” Dr. Ismail Mahomed, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts, opened the festival with a warm welcome and a heartfelt tribute to Wesley Maherry, JOMBA!’s Production and Technical Manager, recognising his invaluable contribution behind the scenes. This acknowledgment was a powerful reminder of the often-unseen efforts that make the magic of theatre possible, emphasising the significance of the crew whose work creates the lighting, sound, and costumes that shape our experience of performance and hold technical space for performing artists.
This year’s JOMBA! theme, “finding our way home,” was compellingly explored in the opening night’s performance programme by the JAZZART DANCE THEATRE. Their programme, consisting of three works is titled “RESILIENCE.” In it we witness themes of South Africa’s journey through 30 years of democracy, embodying the strength, flexibility, and enduring spirit of the nation. “I Am African,” choreographed by Sifiso Kweyama, celebrated cultural diversity with brightly coloured costumes symbolising unity amidst diversity. The vivid lighting underscored a collective vision for a brighter future, while the dancers’ introductions of their tribal identities echoed the celebration of cultural diversity at the heart of the performance.
Ex-Jazzart dancer, Lihle Mfene’s solo piece, “Battlefield,” explored themes of breaking free from societal constraints and embracing authenticity in a world that dictates behaviour and identity. The choreography evoked a sense of protest, reminiscent of the women’s march on August 9, 1956, challenging patriarchal oppression — a resonant reminder of ongoing struggles for gender equality in our country.
Closing off the evening was “Dark Flock,” created by the award-winning MANACAN. I was struck by its rich rhythms — sounding out the resilience of our African heartbeat, with all of its vibrance and celebration. A reminder that celebrating our wins is as important as highlighting our struggles!
Tonight offered a powerful opening to Durban’s 26-year old JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experinece, and the next 12 days promise a feast of dance that will both challenge and intrigue. JOMBA! remains a vibrant platform for diverse voices and narratives, reaffirming dance as a powerful medium for reflection and social commentary.
For more festival details, visit the JOMBA! website: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/.
