EMBO – A Place in Time

Through indigenous musical instruments, song and dance, beautiful stories of wisdom are related about the San and AmaXhosa nations and their virtues of Ubuntu in an ideal world … the world from the beginning of time. Presented by Artscape, EMBO – A Place in Time is an inspiring new work written and researched by Fatima Dike and directed by Royston Stoffels. It has a brief season in the Artscape Theatre from 4 to 6 December 2008 and follows on from Embo Khonnexion, a work-in-progress, documenting and presenting significant history for the theatre.

Featuring internationally acclaimed traditional music specialist, Dizu Plaatjies, who is also musical director, there is cast of over 30 musicians, singers and dancers that include the Ibuyambo Ensemble, Masilande Endulo and Umtyityimbo Dance Group. Guest artist, Hilton Schilder - another international icon is an accomplished jazz musician and recongised for the many musical instruments he plays, including the Khoisan mouth bow.

In search of their cultural roots, six young people embark on a journey of discovery and encounter the magical world of mysticism through a beautiful land of kings and kingdoms, rainmakers and traditional healers. But, they are confronted with many a strange phenomena, territorial war, death and destruction - shattering the ideal world where love, respect and the value of life once existed.

Travelling on this extraordinary expedition as narrators, are six young talented artists who themselves are discovering their own roots. For Abey Xakwe, Ntombekhaya Matayisi, Bukiwe Menziwa, Lungi Pinda, Melikhaya Tana and Masizole Marafana it’s not only an emotional experience but one of great importance as they relate and record history that may have got lost in the passage of time.

Initiating programmes to showcase indigenous cultures and traditions of the Western Cape through artistic products, Artscape continues to explore the cultural links between cultural diversity, dialogue and development as a means of jointly achieving a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual co-existence.

Generating a ‘cultural awakening’, this production is the 2nd part of a work-in-progress, and a journey where audiences will have opportunities to explore cultures that were never affirmed in the apartheid system. It is a valuable platform for learning, development, expression and healing through indigenous story telling, song, dance, and music.

Performance times are December 4 at 20:15, December 5 at 19:00 and Dec 6 at 14:00 & 19:00. Tickets cost R35. Book at Computicket, Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, Shoprite/Checkers outlets and on line www.computicket.com

Embo – A Place in Time is a project of the Artscape Indigenous Arts Department.

The production is researched and written by Fatima Dike and directed by Royston Stoffels.

Take the opportunity and see this unique production - book now !

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