Tiiwa Tiiwa (It’s Ours)

Published Monday 30 October 2006 at 16:55 by Irja Uusitalo

Fresh, rhythmical, visceral and fun are the first words to spring to mind from Sakoba Dance Theatre’s latest production Tiiwa Tiiwa.

The group define themselves as “honouring the tradition, celebrating the present, looking fearlessly into the future” and the show truly embodies this.

Bode Lawal’s choreography is exciting with their modernised tribal feel, asymmetry and pace, and are beautifully complimented by pulsating live music, which at its best creates an inviting carnival atmosphere.

Gayle Evans’ costumes are also a perfect match - they reflect movement beautifully, while looking great and original too.

Props and lighting are minimal but well thought, particularly the triangular stools in Mystical Songs and the silhouette light effects in Kabaree.

The dancers show real talent with lead dancer Sean Selby standing out for his statuesque build and posture.

The other performers are not left in his shadow and dance with gusto to the point of at times looking virtually possessed by their emotions while carrying out some of Lawal’s staccato moves.

Sherinne Kayra Anderson pulls off a strong solo performance with Love Story and trainee dancer Johnstone Tita shows great promise.

All dancers shine in the first performance of the night Clockwork with music by international composer Tim Garland. It is a tribute in what Lawal calls The Post Modern African Dance Technique, bringing traditional tribal dance moves to the 21st century.

Bode Lawal himself adds great depth to the performances with his mesmerising chanting and finishes the show like a true diva dressed in leather pants and a red lace top.