Thursday 24 October 2024
Botis Sevas’ BLKDOG production wows Ottawa residents.
By Joy Osiagwu, Editorial Associate
Famous British choreographer Botis Seva, of Congolese origin, wowed a diverse audience at the Nation Art Centre Dance with a captivating performance of the award-winning BLKDOG stage production with his eclectic team of dancers.
Hosted by the National Art Centre Canada as part of the “Black Out Nights series,” the Olivier Award-winning Best New Dance Production 2019 stormed the Babs Asper Theatre with explosive, unconventional hip-hop and contemporary dance genres.
Theme
BLKDOG came loaded with lots of dark themes but with a spirit of resilience. The performance reawakened memories of a haunted childhood, self-destruction, and generational trauma to self-discovery. It was a heavy production interspersed with moments of joy but more about mental health situations caused by traumatic experiences in the journey of life. It was a relatable narrative, as the show took many of the audience down memory lane. And that in itself was the essence of the production, as seen in one of Servas’ quotes:
“ BLKDOG is for everyone who has dealt with trauma and grief. There are broken humans all around us who try their best to cope; we must show each other more love and humanity.” Botis Seva.
The Performance.
Just before the lights went off and the curtains rolled up, The National Arts Centre’s Rose Ingrid-Benjamin welcomed the audience but also prepared our minds for what was to come. And then came the opening with an emotional narrative starting with childhood trauma and grief. “Maybe we should start with how you are feeling.” “ Daddy, can you read me a story?”
A combination of brilliant lighting effects, deep base music with heavy sounds, and matching modulations to the rhythm of the energetic body movement and leg work with precision evoked a feeling of darkness and despair but a show of excellent theatrical delivery by the production crew. The dancers’ flawless patterns and rhythmic movements spoke loudly to the theme. As a theatre arts graduate, the performance reminded me of the elements of a great production, and this was one of the best I have seen in the last few years. It was indeed a “Far from the Norm” production, which coincidently is the name of Seva’s London-based production company.
In a short interview with Victoria Shulungu, one of the leading performers at the post-show reception, she said the essence of the production is to start a conversation about this generational trauma, depression, and sexual abuses to help the voiceless find healing and look forward to an optimistic future. Shulungu added that though the dark themes resonate more, a deeper look reveals some moments of joy and depicts an authentic re-enactment of life’s journey.
The Executive Director of Audience Engagement at the National Arts Centre, Kondwani Mwase, explained that nights like these unite the diverse Canadian people and allow them to enjoy the rich tapestry work of art (pain or joy).
The event was the company’s first tour to Canada and participation in Black Out Night, an avenue for Black people and community members to share experiences through theatrical performances.
Click the links below to watch the video performance, sights, and interviews with Victoria Shulungu and NAC’s Kondwani Mwase at the post-show reception.