The word re-imagining is used a lot in theatre and never is it more fitting than Dada Masilo’s tour of THE SACRIFICE. The incorporation of dance and storytelling, set to Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is inspired to say the least.
Stravinsky’s music itself, which was written 110 years ago now for a one act ballet, is nothing new in the world of dance but to fuse ballet with Botswana dance and ritual demonstrates that the diversity in each of these forms is what make them both equally captivating.
The staging of this production on the Donald Gordon Stage at the Wales Millennium Centre is relatively simple. This is a show built around the dancers and musicians who fill the stage with movement and incredible sounds. No fancy props or sets here, this is pure talent from beginning to end.
Before we give you our take on this outstanding production, we caught up with members of the audience who were equally captivated by what they had just seen on stage.
Dada not only choreographed the show but is principal dancer too, that’s her front and centre in the picture above. She is hugely impressive and leads an equally majestic company of dancers through 65 minutes filled with suffering, grief, tradition and sacrifice. What I took away from this production, above all else, was the incredible sense of community. People coming together to do what’s right and best for the good of others.
I don’t want to say too much as the show demands to be seen rather than read about in a review. I would urge you to grab a ticket for tonights final performance in Wales.
There’s a certain powerful fragility to Dada’s performance. The show opens with her moving across the stage, in rhythm to three of the most talented musicians you’ll find anywhere. Vocals come from singer and composer ANN MASINA, who will definitely move you to tears at some point through the show.
Dada has drawn on her own background of Tswana dance and has not only brought the movements and music to the stage but also the deep traditions of South Africa. She is completely mesmerising, the way she moves across the stage stretching and flexing her body to the rhythm of the music. Every part of her body is at one with the beat.
If you know the story of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring you’ll see the parallels in The Sacrifice. Initially, you wonder is Dada is to be the sacrifice for the greater good but as she’s joined by the full company of dancers the stage is filled with laughter and joy and for a while all thoughts of the sacrifice are forgotten.
At times it is really funny with some hilarious banter between the dancers and musicians, almost like they’re doing this for the first time. It’s not often you hear a dancer shout across stage ‘You’re playing too fast for me.” It was a welcome moment of light relief for what was to follow.
As quickly as Dada is welcomed into the group she is edged out and back to where she began, dancing solo, only this time she has to make the ultimate decision.
When that moment finally arrives I guarantee you will not be able to breathe. The emotion Dada puts into her performance and Ann too as she sings a solo, which is heartbreaking to say the least, will leave you emotionally drained.
While the focus is understandably at times on Dada this is a company of extremely talented dancers who are completely at one with the music and story. They dance with incredible ease around this big Wales Millennium stage.
The company are…..
Dada Masilo, Leorate Bessler Dibatana, Lwando Dutyulwa, Thuso Lobeko, Lehlohonolo Madise, Songezo Mcilizeli, Refiloe Mogoje, Steven Mokone, Thandiwe Mqokeli, Eutychia Rakaki and Tshepo Zasekhaya.
I do want to mention the music once again. The soundtrack to this piece is stunning. Lyrically I didn’t know what they were saying but such is the strength of the writing that I understood every moment of the story, with all the heart and passion the music delivered.
If you are going to see the show I would recommend you read through the programme and be au fait with the story and players in this incredibly moving show. The programme itself is excellent and you can download it, for free, to your device below.
The Sacrifice may not be here for long but the memory of what we witnessed at the Wales Millennium Centre tonight will stay with us for a long, long time. It is truly outstanding and can be enjoyed whether you’re a fan of dance or not. I was genuinely moved to the point of tears, and I can tell you it takes a lot to make this lad cry.
THE SACRIFICE is at the Wales Millennium Centre this evening (Wednesday) at 7:30pm. Tickets start at £16. For more information and to get yours go HERE.
