DOUBLE TAKE AT THE PLACE, LONDON
Donald Hutera, The Times
The few snippets of advance information available about 'Double Take', the new autobiographical touring show by Bawren Tavaziva’s eponymous company, tell us that this evening-length work represents two sides of the thirtysomething choreographer’s life. One was his “hectic, traditional and religious” existence in Africa (he was born in Zimbabwe UK
Tavaziva himself never appears on stage. What he’s done instead is to distribute his history among the members of his company; it’s as if the most fervid kinetic elements of his personal experience have been poured into their bodies. Their response is sometimes a joy to behold.
Composed of seven women and one man, all clad in mottled grey shorts and loose matching tops, the ensemble is sprinkled with outstanding dancers. Take Kristina Alleyne and the feisty, magenta-haired Lisa Rowley. The former is the epitome of serene strength while the latter moves like flame. In size and build this compact duo are practically each other’s mirror image. Cantilevering off each other in a first-act duet, they demonstrate just how gutsy Tavaziva’s writing can be. Tirelessly alert, all of his dancers lope, dive, shake, swing and slap their way across the stage to a soundtrack of township music and hymns.
‘Double Take’ displays Tavaziva’s prodigious, almost profligate, gift for strikingly quirky movement invention. He appears to be developing his own visceral brand of swift, coiled and calisthenic classicism that connects ballet, contemporary and African traditional dance into one playful yet fierce, space-eating language.
The show as a whole was a tad confusing, partly because of the undefined presence of Tsungai Tsikirai. Wrapped in a black bedspread, this fine vocalist spends the first act praying and lamenting rather than singing. Tsikirai (who won’t be present at all the tour performances) runs through a gamut of states: sorrow, anxiety, fear while occasionally offering the dancers succour or guidance. But I was unclear about her role, nor did her emotional journey seem of much interest against such fiercely articulate dancing.
Double Take
Bawren Tavaziva’s company specialises in work that fuses contemporary choreography with African dances, particularly those of his birthplace Zimbabwe UK
Using young boys from local communities for the first few pieces, Tavaziva reveals aspects of the Muchongoyo dance, a stamping, militaristic, formation dance typically performed to prepare for battle and post-battle celebration. The boys perform with gusto and commitment against a colliding soundtrack of drumming (live) and sacred music (recorded). Quickly shifting gear to a school environment he introduces girls who thereafter dominate the stage.
Tavaziva harnesses the speed and energy of his muscular dancers with consummate skill, creating patterns of collective movement and individual architecture that is endlessly inventive. Rooted to the earth, with the tribal stamp never far away from the explosive bursts of physical action, the dancers ricochet around the stage and off each other, creating visceral relationships between themselves and the audience. An extended duet between two girls - one black, one white - is by turns loving and ferocious, tactile and ritualistic. Accompanied onstage by the Greek Chorus-like figure of vocalist Tsungai Tsikirai - who moves from dialogue-based song to desperate prayer with ease - these powerhouse dancers deliver a memorable and exciting exploration of two cultures.
Production information
The Place. London
Composer/choreographer:
Bawren Tavaziva
Producer:
Tavaziva Dance
Cast includes:
Kristina Alleyne, Katie Cambridge, Lisa Rowley, Petros Treklis, Anna Watkins, Chevon Edwards, Serena Morgan, Hannah Spencer
Running time:
1hr 20mins
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