The performers during a routine at the National Theatre on Saturday. Photo | Andrew Kaggwa
National Theatre over the weekend played host to Batalo East Foundation’s 2023 dance offering. From the way the theatre foyer was designed, the grass thatch, the imaginery African mediaval, it was clear it was more than a dance show.
Nambi, the African Sheildmaiden, is a show inspired by African strong women leaders and others simply inspirational. The dance production seems to use their influence to celebrate all women regardless of their position in the society.
Some parts celebrate leadership while other parts of the show celebrate humanity such as motherhood.
But none of these is actually spoken, which makes Lillian Nabaggala, the show director’s vision, a wild one. Most dance shows tend to use the aid of spoken word, mixed media such as video or graphics to get their message across.
Not Nambi, the production entirely depends on movement to tackle hard topics, excite and get its audience emotional at the same time.