The deepest dive I’ve ever done. In December I applied to Dance Umbrella Africa 2019, curated by none other than Super Woman herself, Mamela Nyamza. Once again, I found myself in love with this piece, I called my good friend Martin to help me in rehearsals and further craft this special joy. For a month and half, Martin and I made something unforgettable. A truly hypnotic, sickening, sad, frightening and personal piece. I remember performing and feeling so incredibly scared. I’d never felt that onstage, a fear for what was within me.
After the show ended, I vomitted. My body had been pushed to it’s limit. I walked out, and was warmly greeted by my dear friends and longtime mentor, Joni Barnard. I bumped into Mamela, and shed soft tears of joy. My hero thanked me. Thank you Mamela, I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity I was graciously given. It was magical for me to be mentioned alongside Oupa Sibeko, as he mentored me and helped me craft this piece too, and to be performing in the same festival as him made me so graciously happy.
https://creativefeel.co.za/2019/01/dance-umbrella-africa-2019-theme-figure-ring-the-state-of-dance-in-africa/
VAMPIRE SQUID.
Choreographed and performed by Joel Leonard.
Dramaturgy and Stage Managed by Martin Daniel Grendele.
Mentored by Oupa Sibeko, Joni Barnard & Roberto Pombo.
Lighting design by Hlomohang ‘Spider’ Mothetho.
Photography by: John Hogg.
Costume & Music designed by Joel Leonard.
Dance Umbrella Africa 2019.
Sibusiso Khwinana Theatre (Formerly Momentum Theatre).
State Theatre.
6th April 2019.
Pretoria.