Choreographer Gregory Maqoma presents his explorative and transformative film Retrace-Retract on life in Soweto alongside poet Jefferson Tshabalala.
Gregory Maqomas specially commissioned International Festival film, Retrace-Retract, captures the sense of a place battling with its own economic transformation and explores the differences and dynamics of cultures, traditions, hierarchies and dreams.
For the live event, Maqoma is joined by poet Jefferson Tshabalala, with whom he collaborated with on the text for the film. The film and resulting photographic stills are used as a dynamic backdrop for Maqomas movement and dance and Tshabalalas spoken word. A hosted conversation with the audience follows, where Maqoma discusses his themes of interest, including how life functions within the parameters of architecture, how music and dance has evolved in Soweto and the relationships between an individuals lived experience and the culture into which they are born.
Dancing in the Streets is a series of films from the streets of cities around the world. Edinburgh International Festival has commissioned four of the worlds most acclaimed choreographers, Alice Ripoll from Rio de Janeiro, Omar Rajeh from Beirut, Gregory Maqoma from Soweto and Janice Parker from Edinburgh, to create short films with their dancers, responding to the past year and reflecting on their relationship with their home cities.
Join each choreographer as they present their film for the very first time.
Supported by Flure Grossart
Made possible through the PLACE programme
Research & Development supported by
Gregory Maqoma Choreographer
Jefferson Tshabalala
