A testament to the power of the arts
Political theatre can often conjure up the image of a stern, sombre cast of stoney-faced performers. In We Wear Our Wheels with Pride, Robyn Orlin demonstrates that joy and plain old fun can be equally powerful methods of highlighting dark and important issues and aspects of history, writes Melina Block.
A tribute to the 1970s’ South African rickshaw drivers – Zulu men who transported white masters around in brightly coloured rickshaws – We Wear Our Wheels with Pride draws on Orlin’s childhood memories.
The cast of dancers from newly-created Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM), a company combining Zulu traditions and contemporary dance, are joined by singer Anelisa Sturman as they put on a night of brightly coloured, beautifully soundtracked live theatre.
The dancers move with such confidence and authentic vigour for life, and Sturman sings with such breathtaking power and feeling. The set is gorgeous; an explosion of rainbows seamlessly integrated into the show. Everyone was up and dancing, clapping and singing along. I really felt like this was the breath of fresh air which the modern contemporary creative scene didn’t realise it needed.
On a cold, gloomy night, Orlin’s show injected such glowing warmth into the Southbank Centre that I struggle to believe that even the most reluctant of theatregoers wouldn’t be moved: moved to dance, moved to sing, and – perhaps most importantly – moved to reflect. This piece is a testament to the power of the arts as a medium to entertain and engage. This is a difficult balance to strike but Orlin and her crew have managed to pull it off.
Moments of levity complement the more serious, poignant message underlying the entire show.
Never preachy, always exciting, sometimes heartbreaking: We Wear Our Wheels with Pride is a privilege – and a pleasure – to witness.
Robyn Orlin’s We Wear Our Wheels with Pride is part of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival at the Southbank Centre.
Full details: https://www.dancereflections-vancleefarpels.com/en
