Robyn Orlin: We wear our wheels with pride

The title of the work – We wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with color… We said ‘bonjour’ to satan in 1820 – is an homage to the rickshaw drivers of South Africa’s past.

In South Africa of 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. Watching them, the young Robyn Orlin observed the ornate decoration of their vehicles and headdresses, as well as their sprightly, dance-like steps.

The period also coincides with the creation of Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM), a company nourished by Zulu traditions and a flagship for contemporary dance in South Africa.

Today, Robyn Orlin’s work with the troupe from Johannesburg constitutes a return to a common source. Dance, song and costume combine with explosive effect during this encounter between the MIDM dancers and the breathtaking singing of Anelisa Stuurman, also known as Annalyzer. In collaboration with the composer, Yogin Sullaphen, she has developed a style influenced by slam, local Khoisan tradition and research into new forms of modern music.

Credits
Design: Robyn Orlin
Dancers from Moving into Dance Mophatong: Sunnyboy Motau, Oscar Buthelezi, Eugene Mashiane, Lesego Dihemo, Sbusiso Gumede and Teboho Letele
Lights: Romain de Lagarde
Music: UkhoiKhoi featuring Yogin Sullaphen and Anelisa Stuurman
Video: Eric Perroys
Costumes: Birgit Neppl
General director: Jean-Marc L’Hostis
Tour manager: Thabo Pule
Stage manager: Jordan Azincot
Administration, diffusion: Damien Valette
Coordination: Louise Bailly

Robyn Orlin: We wear our wheels with pride is part of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival.

We have a limited offer of £12 tickets (down from £22) for both performances, using the promo code ROBYNORLIN10