Via Kanana

Kanana is a Sotho word referred to a promised land that has never existed: what was bound to be a free and prosperous space is, in fact, a land full of greed and corruption. In Via Kanana, however, the dream of a better world overtakes that of the nightmare. The world has changed from what we imagined, we are all victims, overwhelmed by fear, says Gregory Maqoma, one of the creators of the show. The work hides the dark cloud and brings us light and hope, and it rebels against the fear of living. It's a cry to life. Through rhythm, percussion, dance and a choir of voices, Via Kanana proposes an exit towards coexistence and peace, hence the path to the promised land.

On 15th march (12 h, CC Barceloneta) Buru Mohlabahne, director of Via Katlehong and codirector of the performance, will offer a master class aimed at dancers trained in any form of dance and all levels. Further information on pg. 76.

Born in Soweto in 1973, Gregory Maqoma was interested in dance in the late 80ies, as a way to escape the political tensions of his country. Currently, he is a choreographer, dancer, scene director and internationally recognized teacher. As regards Via Katlehong, it was established in 1992 as a community-oriented company to train young people from Katlehong, a South African town with a high crime rate, and help them flee from a permanent state of conflict. Led by Steven Faleni and Buru Mohlabane, Via Katlehong now includes a community dance school and a stable group of eighteen members.