TAVAZIVA DANCE present “CHATSVA” (Explosion)

At the Barbican Theatre, brought to you in partnership with Venue Cornwall

Saturday February 9th 7.30pm £9 (£6)

Tavaziva Dance's six high-octane dancers explode with an evening of new works in their trademark exploration of African dance traditions within a Western contemporary style, to music ranging from Zimbabwean choral to Tuku ghetto sounds.

Bawren Tavaziva's contrasting group dances express a light-hearted, exuberant contest and the determination of the persecuted to affirm their identities and beliefs, with a solo using the poet Coleridge's impassioned 1807 public outburst against the evils of slavery, and a joyous duet work by guest choreographer Thea Nerissa Barnes.

Bawren Tavaziva's new works present the dancers in contrasting moods, from light-hearted, exuberant contest ( Makwikwi ) and the determination of the persecuted to affirm identity and belief ( Pachedu ) to a powerful new solo ( Mr Man ) inspired by the poet Coleridge's impassioned public outburst against the evils of slavery.

Completing the programme, guest choreographer Thea Nerissa Barnes stages Last Word , her wittily engaging duet for two dancers… and a chair with a life of its own.

For more information go to Tavaziva Dance Company.

“A great little company… their seamless blend of contemporary and traditional African movement, strikingly costumed and lit” ( The Independent , 2007)

“A tribal sense of combat, but also of ecstasy… intensely uplifting, enchanting and energetic, and typically demonstrative of the pure joy of dance” ( Dancing Times , 2007)

“Intriguing and deeply sensuous… nothing short of explosive” ( The Stage , 2006)