By Simon Manda
Join UNMUTE Dance Theatre for the premiere of “The Stories We Tell,” a pioneering dance piece that courageously explores religion, race, class, disability, and language.
Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired. At 19:00 on July 11, 2024, the UNMUTE Dance Company will provide a performance that will make you think.
The groundbreaking work of UNMUTE Dance Company in inclusive and integrated dance has been creating headlines throughout the world. Their groundbreaking style of modern dance has garnered them praise and invitations to perform at illustrious events all over the world, from Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the Liverpool Biennial in 2023 to name a few.
Now, in “The Stories We Tell,” a 50-minute performance at Artscape Theatre, they present their one-of-a-kind vision, which aims to provoke thought-provoking discussions regarding the social narratives that have evolved into the bedrock of stigmatisation.
Nadine Mckenzie, the pioneer of integrated dance education in South Africa and the brains behind UNMUTE Dance Company, is performing in this production alongside Andile Vellem and Yaseen Manuel who all choreographed this showcase.
Everyone has taken note of Mckenzie’s dogged pursuit of inclusive dance opportunities. Among the top 200 young South Africans in the arts and culture category in 2013, she was recognised by the Mail and Guardian for her groundbreaking work.
“‘The Stories We Tell’ is a culmination of our mission to create inclusive and thought-provoking dance experiences,” Mckenzie explains. “Dance, in our opinion, can unite people, change minds, and shatter stereotypes. Audiences are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment with us in this presentation.”
The performance highlights the strength of inclusive artistic collaboration with its mixed cast of dancers. “The Stories We Tell” takes aim at widespread misperceptions about disability through its accessible storytelling and compelling choreography, showcasing performers with disabilities as talented artists.
The staging and choreography of the play also adhere to universal design principles, making the performance enjoyable and accessible for audience members with varying mobility and sensory needs. Beyond their work onstage, UNMUTE Dance Company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive arts environment for those with disabilities through ongoing community workshops, school outreach programmes, and partnerships with dance institutions.
The purpose of “The Stories We Tell” goes beyond that of a simple dance performance; it is an instructional resource with the stated goal of increasing tolerance and compassion for individuals with disabilities. The performance challenges the idea of disability as a barrier and empowers individuals by showcasing dancers with disabilities.
The innovative play would be well-suited to Artscape Theatre, which is well-known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Anyone requiring assistance with bookings or navigation can contact Artscape Dial-a-Seat at 021 421 7695, and the theatre does have wheelchair seating available for those who need it.
With ticket prices ranging from R80 to R120, “The Stories We Tell” is able to reach a diverse audience and showcase its significant cultural impact.
You can reach Artscape Dial-a-Seat at 021 421 76 95 or visit www.artscape.co.za for additional details about the performance and to purchase tickets.
Theatregoers can rest easy knowing that the Cape Town Civic Centre has a safe parking facility in the basement, which can be accessed through the Jan Smuts Street door. On weekdays between 5 and 11 p.m., as well as on weekends and holidays during show times, parking is complimentary. Pensioners can park for R30 instead of the regular R40.
Don’t pass up the chance to see a revolutionary performance that demonstrates how inclusive dancing can change lives. Beyond being a performance, “The Stories We Tell” is an impassioned plea for audiences to reject bigotry and instead celebrate the rich variety of human expression and experience.
Get your tickets today!
Webtickets Link: https://bit.ly/3VYm4OI
