Dance Umbrella face to face conversations

The Dance Umbrella will host a series of Face to Face Conversations in partnership with Drama for Life

To book your place, please email Winnie.Ansah@wits.ac.za or Mpho Kunene at 33concepts@gmail.com.

The conversations are:

Dance and Culture: Conversation with Vincent Mantsoe and Gregory Maqoma facilitated by Warren Nebe

This conversation aims to explore the contradictory circumstances of arts and culture in South Africa through the concerns and criticisms of the dance industry; asking: How do we create more space, access and resources for the retention and sustainability of this important art form?

Date: 7 March 2018

Time:  12:00 – 13:30

Dance: Local and global: Conversation with Moya Michael and Steven Cohen facilitated by Nodumiso Msimanga: Dance: Local and global

Questioning the space for development and practice of the profession, both locally and abroad, this conversation considers the exodus of South African performers to places where their work appears better valued and more opportunities to grow and sustain their careers are afforded. It asks: What does this mean for the enhancement of the discipline from a local perspective?

Date: 9 March 2018

Time:  12:00 – 13:30

Dance as activism: Conversation with Gerard Bester and Alan Parker facilitated by Lireko Qhobela: Dance as activism

Looking at the increasing value being placed on site-specific, participatory performance and experiential, experimental and innovative work with communities and across disciplines; this conversation considers the benefits and challenges of developing dance in alternative spaces. Reflecting on existing and emerging performance art, it raises questions around the value of alternative approaches and spaces for dance in our context, asking: What opportunities do such methods of creative expression and artistic excellence offer for continued and sustainable development in the sector?

Date: 10 March 2018

Time:  12:00 – 13:30

Dance in contemporary society: Conversation with Robyn Orlin and Fana Tshabalala facilitated by Kwanele Thusi

This conversation explores new histories that are being shaped through the innovative integration of dance, multimedia, education, and community based performance. It asks whether the South African dance industry has fully recognised and considered the opportunity of interdisciplinary collaboration for the enhancement of perspectives and expressions of local and international issues of relevance in society.

Date: 12 March 2018

Time:  12:00 – 13:30

Dance industry and festivals: Conversation with Musa Hlatshwayo and Louise Coetzer facilitated by Dr Ricardo Peach

This conversation intends to reflect on and review the position, sustainability and future of performing arts festivals such as the Dance Umbrella, which has run annually for the past thirty years in South Africa. With the increasingly challenging economic climate, indiscriminate political agenda and the growth of a globalised culture, the lack of local support for festivals of this nature is increasingly concerning. Considering this reality, this conversation questions the significance and contribution of the festival to South Africa’s dance industry, society and national policy drivers; and the implication of current realities for the continued advancement of and investment in the dance industry.

Date: 14 March 2018

Time:  14:00 – 15:30

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