An exploration of South African politics and cultural history
The acclaimed South African choreographer Robyn Orlin’s upcoming UK premiere We Wear Our Wheels with Pride, performed by the leading contemporary dance troupe Moving Into Dance Mophatong, can be seen at the Southbank Centre as part of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival.
The production is an explosive array of dance, song and vibrant costume that pays homage to the rickshaw drivers of South Africa’s past- as Robyn states “It’s about the rickshaws who to a large extent are unsung heroes of the apartheid regime. They haven’t been acknowledged for their fight against apartheid because they were just seen as workers.”
In South Africa during the 1970s, at the height of apartheid, white masters were transported from place to place by Zulu men pulling brightly coloured rickshaws, a feat requiring a mixture of great strength and dexterity.
Robyn’s work is an exploration of South African politics, cultural history and the power of memory. She brings movement to the stage to spotlight and reveal untold stories.
The troupe from Johannesburg combined with the breath- taking singing of Anelisa Stuurman in collaboration with the composer Yogin Sullaphen, deliver a startling explosion of creativity on stage. Yogin Sullaphen, has developed a unique style influenced by slam, local Khoisan traditions and new forms of modern music.
The title of the work in full is We wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with colour… We said ‘bonjour’ to satan in 1820.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX. Dates: Fri 21 Mar & Sat 22 Mar 20257.30pm.
Booking and Full Details: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/
