Sat. 23rd Aug, 8pm
The !gubi Family (pronounced with a tongue click) consists of 6 San Bushmen musicians, ranging in age from 18 to 80, and are the keepers of a vanishing tradition of San Musical Culture from the Kalahari Desert, Namibia. The San are the originators of trance dance and their music is specifically designed to evoke an altered state of consciousness through the rhythms and beats, They traditionally play the mouthbow, the mbira and the zuma (four-stringed instrument) Recently, the !gubis have worked with renowned UK artist, Banco De Gaia, receiving rapturous reviews from London audiences. As a prelude to their performance in the Universal Hall the !gubi family will hold a participatory trance dance around a fire on the dancing green behind the Hall. This is a unique opportunity to participate in an ancient form of tribal dance that has been part of the ceremonial life of Africa for thousands of years. Some will learn the chants and sit round the fire whilst others join in this healing dance. “When I dance,” the San say “my ancestors enter my body and give me the power to see what makes people sick.”
Participatory outdoor dance £8/£6 (Fri 22nd Aug)
Hall show £9/£7
A fantastic and colourful evening of youthful dance from around the world, the AIYF is a highlight of our calendar. As often happens we are not 100% sure of the full line-up yet. Joel Sebunjo from Senegal (pictured) is coming, but please check here on the website or phone 01309 691170 to find out the dance troupe who will come with him. We are hoping for the African Showime Dancers from Ghana but they have not yet received their visas as we post this entry! However we know that the show will great - the AIYF always provide a brilliant night out.
Flamenco as you've never it seen before! High energy and contemporary: flamenco meets the 21st century. Combining authentic flamenco music and dance from Spain with an unprecedented modern twist, Ricardo Garcia demonstrates an astounding mastery of the developments in this traditional musical style. A brilliant
We are delighted to welcome the world’s foremost Kathakali company on tour outside their native India. Kathakali embraces drama, dance, music,visual arts and ritual to create one of the most visually exciting and powerful forms of theatre. Kathakali originated in the temples of Kerala over 500 years ago. Extraordinary costumes and make-up transform the actors into Gods, Kings, Devils and Princesses to tell stories from classical texts including the Mahabharatha.