Spirit of Uganda, Joyce Theater, New York
Filed Under Shower Curtain | Posted on March 20, 2008
There is so much grief coming out of Africa that it good to report something upbeat for a change. Partially in order to raise awareness of the ravages of civil war and Aids, which have left an estimated 2.4m orphans, Empower African Children, a company of youngsters aged from eight to 18, is touring a relentlessly cheerful show of dances and music from Uganda, with numbers from some of its neighbours, Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya.The dynamic host, artistic director and performer Peter Kasule, whose energy sets the pace for his dancers and singers, can also galvanise an audience into dancing in its seats. A thunder of drums precedes the curtain, which rises on a stage alive with colourfully costumed dancers and singers, their hips encircled by grass skirts like ruffs ?a sort of Ugandan tutu ?worn over skirts or trousers. Often in these dances huge bows or bunches of fabric emphasise the fast hip shimmy that a staple step along with stamping, hopping and swivelling. Think of a souped-up Twist, that social dance of the 1960s, and you get the idea.From the start the affable Kasule, small drum and microphone never far from his hands, discourses on a dance country of origin, pertinent history and as much information as he can impart in an informal way. He crouches on the floor with the two youngest girls (eight and 12) to encourage and accompany them with drumbeats as they precariously balance clay pots on their heads. He can also stalk about hilariously imitating a tipsy king of Buganda.One notable number, Larakaraka, features the boys beating gourds rhythmically with bike spokes. In another piece the dancers, sporting waving feathers on headbands, looked like so many ostriches stalking the plain. After the chanting and high-octane energy level of the stadium-strength drumming ?deafening in a small auditorium ?a final quiet moment was welcome when, standing in a semi-circle, the youngsters identified themselves and gave their ages. Over-theatricalised or not, this show makes it clear there still plenty of spirit in Uganda. Tel +1 212 242 0800
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