World music and dance meet at National Theatre
A multi-national music and dance production dubbed ‘Azã’ last week demonstrated the power, sophistication and beauty of cross-cultural collaborations during a captivating performance at the National Theatre.
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Performed by over 150 artistes from Canada, Ghana, Azerbaijan and the United States, the show revealed a skilful blend of effervescent music and dance cocktails that sparkled with intelligence.
Presented by the National Theatre of Ghana, Azã was choreographed by Prof. Zelma Badu-Younge with compositions by Prof. Paschal Younge. The production was undeniably an exceptional artistic event that can easily pass as the show of the year in Ghana.
With marimba virtuoso Dr Erik Forst (USA), multi-disciplinary artiste Sashar Zarif (Canada), conductor Isaac Annor and director Nii Tete Yartey (Ghana), the audience was transported to various parts of the world through a dramatic fusion of rhythms, beats and dance forms.
“It’s not about virtuosity; it’s about the physical crafting and fine-tuning of emotions interspersed with Sufi, Shamanic and African ritualistic practices. It is delightful to share in the vibration projected by these wonderful artistes,” said Monica Schmidt, a German dancer who was at the show.
Characterised by interdisciplinary collaboration, artistes from the National Dance Company, Azaguno Inc. (USA), National Symphony Orchestra, a mass youth choir and guest artistes, the show managed to sway the crowd through a superlative fusion of choreography, music, sound and light.
A modern symphony for marimba, classic negro spiritual, music for multiple bells, dances from Botswana and American Step Dancing, Haitian religious chants, as well as melodies from the Caribbean and elsewhere charmed the audience who cheered and applauded intermittently.
The dancers traced elaborate movements, whipped into spins and shimmered like fireflies evading dawn light as polyphonic tunes from the musicians and voices from the choir penetrated the vast auditorium with controlled intensity.
Ohio Arts, Ohio University, Messiah College, Azaguno Inc., National Theatre of Ghana, Ghana Tourism Authority and Central Hotel supported the programme which attracted large audiences for three continuous days.
