By Entertainment Reporter
THE Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) Trust this week announced that it would debut a new dance piece titled The Phantom of Namibia.
OYO aims to create social awareness on various issues, such as HIV/AIDS and GBV, using arts as a tool of communication.
The new dance was choreographed by the Founder and Director of the organisation Dr Philippe Talavera.
“The Phantom of Namibia follows the story of three siblings left alone after the sudden death of their parents. (The dance piece) explores their feelings of loss, loneliness, rejection, hope and disappointment,” Talavera explained in a statement.
Each year the OYO Trust invites young dancers from abroad to come and collaborate with its OYO dance troupe. The Phantom of Namibia was conceived as a result of that collaboration.
“This is a chance to share, learn from one another and create new challenging pieces. This year dancers come from the UK, Canada, the Netherlands and Singapore,” Talavera noted.
Although the dance was choreographed by Talavera, some of its sections were inspired by Eva Lobker from the Netherlands, Jesse McRogers from Canada, Hannah Wood from the UK and Sorcha Young from Singapore.
Talavera explained that it would be performed by an ensemble cast comprising of 12 Namibian dancers and the four international guests.
“Each country has got a ghost in its closest. Namibia’s phantom could be the reality experienced by over half the children born outside of wedlock…Too many children grow up without their biological parents. How does it impact our population? Are we then growing up as balanced, matured young people?” Talavera noted.
The Phantom of Namibia will be premiered on Thursday, August 18 at 19h00 at the Jan Mohr Theatre (Jan Mohr School, Mercury Street). The entrance to the premier is free of charge; however prospective guests are urged to book seats in advance. Bookings can be done through Karolina on 061 254915 or via email at info@ombetja.org