New Work commissioned by Canada's Ballet Jörgen
“First Movement” – World Premiere in North Bay’s Capitol Centre, choreography by Mafa Makhubalo & music by Koukou by Traditional African Music. Photo by Colton West Photography.
Mafa Makhubalo was invited by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen (CBJ) as a choreographer for Solos & Duets and Summer Intensive program annual series from 2013-2017. He has been described as having “profound philosophy in his creation” with “unlimited creativity.” CBJ was thrilled to work with him again for “Creations in Isolations” program where he had his World Premiere of “First Movement” in North Bay, ON at the Capitol Centre.
What are you exploring in this new piece with the company?
Yes, that’s interesting. It’s the concept of memory — it’s so interesting. When I was in Japan last year, I went to a museum and was fascinated and inspired by an artist. It’s interesting to see how this artist used yarn. She created an installation with yarn. It’s so simple how we take little things for granted, like yarn. It wasn’t just about the yarn but the impact that it had. And it’s the same concept with memory. All these memories that we have, all the strings of memories that run within us. How do we contain them? How do we connect with them? Are they still a part of us or do they now become a museum where we just store them, and we never connect with them, and we’re always looking for something we already have? My question again within using the technology now. Now we have the power of making our memory into reality using technology to make them visions. So now it’s that question of how we keep that relation. How do keep that relation of making it realistic without being too much. Without being overboard, but still being able to connect with us. The idea — how does our memory influence our reality.
Click below to continue reading about Mafa’s dance journey and his new piece for CBJ.
What is it like creating during a pandemic? How are you creating?
I’m creating with the company in the studio. I know with the pandemic, it’s kind of insane, but I feel this is work that maybe was a blessing to be with the dancers after so long. I tried to do the video thing, it’s not the same. Yes, I know we’re moving into that generation but some of us, we take time with technology.
Working with the company in the space makes my work easier because I work from rhythm and reaction. I believe that whenever there is an action, there has to be a reaction. That’s where I get the impulse from. Sometimes I’ll come with a creative idea and when I get there it will bounce back in a different way. I have to follow movement because that’s where I believe it goes. If it’s on Zoom, it’s hard because you can never know what the person says because you’re hitting this technology [wall].
Click below for the full interview discussing the creation process during COVID-19 and working with the Company.