March 25th, 2010
Left to right: Unathi Nondumo, Wandiswa Gogela, Nosikhumbuzo Mgoduka, front: Xolisile Bongwana
The Uphondo Lwe Africa dance troupe made up of four talented traditional dancers jetted off to the UK for a month long residency on March 10, 2010. The purpose of the residency, organised by the Swallows Foundation in the Eastern Cape, is to showcase the arts culture of South Africa ahead of the World Cup. A total of 27 different artists will be touring the North East of England conducting dance, storytelling, singing and theatre workshops with schools and the local community.
In 2005, the Uphondo Lwe Afrika dance troupe was one of the first groups of artists to travel overseas through the Swallows Partnership. The dancers performed in a production called “Elephant”. Produced by Dodgy Clutch Theatre Company (based in the North East of England), Elephant went on a twelve week tour of major theatres in the UK and will be going to Broadway later this year.
The dancers of Uphondo Lwe Afrika are very excited to be going to the UK for the second time round this March and will be conducting workshops in traditional African drumming, music and song. They are also developing a new piece of work called Aunt Rose to be performed during the World Cup.
“We often get some strange questions when travelling overseas,” laughs Uphondo Lwe Afrika member, Nosikhumbuzo Mgoduka. “Some people ask us if we wear animal skins everyday and if we live in mud huts! That’s why the Swallows Partnership is such a great idea. It allows us to showcase both the traditional and contemporary side of South Africa.”
The Swallows partnership has also helped many Eastern Cape youngsters see arts as a viable career path. “When we first joined the Swallows, our parents were very upset that we weren’t seeking proper jobs,” says the only male member of the group, Xolisile Bongwana. “Now that we have been overseas and have performed in international productions, our communities are starting to see the value in arts.”
Performance and story telling through dance is also a great way for young people to express themselves, and the dancers have found that the workshops are highly therapeutic – allowing the youth freedom to say in dance form what they can’t put into words.
“Our workshops are highly successful in schools,” says dancer Unathi Nondumo. “The kids love it, and at the same time they are learning valuable communication skills. Being able to express oneself also helps to boost self esteem, and inspires the learners to pursue their dreams no matter what their circumstances.”
After completing the residency in the UK, Uphondo Lwe Afrika will be jetting off to the US where Elephant will be performed for the first time on Broadway at the The New Victory Theatre in New York from April 23 to May 02, 2010.
“This is my dream come true!” says dancer Wandiswa Gogela. “Never in a million years did I think that my passion for dance would lead me to both the West End in the UK and Broadway in the US. I cannot wait to visit all of the theatrical hotspots in the US and learn more about dance and drama there.”
Uphondo Lwe Afrika will be leaving the Eastern Cape for the UK on March 10, 2010.03.09
Media Release for the Swallows Partnership by Siyathetha Communications
Contact: Siyathetha: Claire Warneke: 041 582 3750
Swallows Partnership: Peter Stark: 041 582 3980
Peggy Calata: 041 582 3980
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