Mamela Nyamza: dancing in Singapore, Cairo and Berlin

Nyamza, who will perform her own creations at Artscape in August, dances not only in theatres but also in backyards in Gugulethu.

When Nyamza started dancing, few people in the townships knew about the ballet and many believed that dance was only for “model C” people. At a time when many Africans were caught up in apartheid struggles Nyamza strived to be a successful dancer.

She uses her body to illustrate the roles of women, mostly in African society. When performing, her body expresses emotion, fear and hurt through movements which resonate with her audience. She does not use the movements of classical ballet.

Nyamza, who has a 14-year-old boy and also likes to find time to spend with her mother, is currently busy on a new project in Berlin, Germany.

“And next I am off to Senegal to work with Germaine Acogny who is an international choreographer.”

After that she will perform Hatched and The Meal in Cairo, two works she choreographed, which were funded by the French Institute and Constanza Marcas.

Later this year, she will perform her own work at Artscape for the first time as a soloist, and after that she goes to Singapore.

She describes The Meal as a performance that involves cooking, eating, art and sex.

“Before a meal can be eaten, preparation is necessary. The most basic division is between the creator of the meal and those who are being served.”

“This work examines the process in which the eater becomes one with the meal, though the process of reaching satisfaction can take many forms”, Nyamza says.

She describes Hatched as a movement piece about deeply personal and challenging issues of culture, tradition and a woman’s evolving sexuality within the customary rites and rituals of marriage, as she realises her true identity.

Aspirant dancer Akhona Khalise from Gugulethu, who saw Nyamza at the Infecting the City Festival, says that she admires her because of her choreography and how successful she is.

“I am also born in the township and I am inspired by Nyamza because she encourages me and many young people from my location to be whatever we want in life.”

Mamela Nyamza will perform The Meal and Wena Mamela at 7pm on 11 and 12 April 2014 at the Observatory Methodist Church, corner of Wesley and Milton Street.