The Ecstatic

Two South African worlds and aesthetics meet in the show by choreographer and performer Jeremy Nedd. Known for the virtuoso and agile movements of the dancers’ feet, the Pantsula is a dance style and an artistic expression with dress codes and language, a philosophy of life, and a social and political point of view that, during Apartheid, gave voice to an entire generation.

In the show, this urban and energetic dance meets the Praise Break, a typical praise of the Pentecostal Christian Church. A dancing body emerges from the interruption of prayer and merges with voice and gospel music, blurring the boundaries between the vigorous and the cathartic.

Rubbing these two worlds, Jeremy and the dancers of Impilo Mapantsula – an international collective of dance artists specializing in Pantsula – investigate movement in states of ecstasy and breakdown, discovering new transcendental spaces within themselves.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Concept and choreography: Jeremy Nedd & Impilo Mapantsula;
Performance and choreography: Kgotsofalang Moshe Mavundla, Tankiso Pheko, Tommy Tee Motsapi, Bonakele Mambotjie Masethi, Sicelo Malume ka Xaba, Sello Zilo Modiga e Vusi 2.2 Mdoyi;
Technic and light: Thomas Giger;
Stage Assistants: Laura Knüsel;
Music and composition: Xzavier Stone & Modulaw;
Audiodesign: Fabrizio Di Salvo, rej deproc;
Dramaturgy: Anta Helena Recke;
Head of production Switzerland: Ursula Haas;
Head of production South Africa: Daniela Goeller;
Production assistance: Kihako Narisawa e Lucas Del Rio Estevez;
Head of production Brazil: Mariana Novais – Ventania Cultural;
Production assistant Brazil: Marô Zamaro;
Touring: Caroline Froelich (Moin Moin Productions);
Outside Eye: Deborah Joyce Holman e Maximilian Hanisch;
Co-production: Kaserne Basel, Arsenic Lausanne e Theater Tuchlaube Aarau;
Supported by: Fachausschuss Tanz & Theater BS/BL, Pro Helvetia – Swiss Arts Council, Südkulturfonds, Migros Kulturprozent, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Stanley Thomas Johnson Stiftung, Jacqueline Spengler-Stiftung, Schweizer Interpretenstiftung e Wilhelm und Ida Hertner-Strasser Stiftung.