Dance review: Onke Ose

Published on Monday 11 August 2008 20:46

ONKE OSE *** ST JOHN'S WEST END (VENUE 127)

WITH Zimbabwe in the news recently, this timely show by Siyaya Arts, direct from Makokoba Township, Bulawayo, vividly enacts the history of this troubled country. There's an infectious, positive vibe and the energetic pace of it all is fired by music from three traditional wood gourd xylophones, numerous drums and some of the fabulous singers and dancers from famous group Black Umfolosi (think gospel, think Ladysmith Black Mambazo and you'll be on the right track).

With humour and verve, the story moves from the first migrations of Africa's Shona and Ndebele tribes to the colonialism of Cecil Rhodes, from becoming British Rhodesia to Bob Marley's special visit at the hopeful time of independence.

We see ZANU and ZAPU conflicts resolved, witness the competing role of multiple religions and end with today's dire situation, in which Zimbabweans face famine and drought, never mind political oppression.

With miners' gumboot dances and hilarious township shebeen scenes, this is a terrific show. The acting from all concerned is strong and the whole piece is moving yet upbeat. Siyaya drive home in salutary fashion how so much African culture expressing the indomitable spirit of ordinary people has you swinging in your seat, even when you know that times could not be harder for those creating it.

• Until 15 August. Today 7:30pm.

This event is part of St John's Festival of Spirituality and Peace and does not appear in the Fringe programme