HATCHED ENSEMBLE to premier at the Makhanda Standard Bank National Arts Festival 2023. HATCHED ENSEMBLE is the extension of Mamela Nyamza’s original and highly acclaimed solo work HATCHED created in 2008, an autobiographical work which the Choreographer reflected on her life as a mother, lesbian and artist. HATCHED was Nyamza’s first work to kick-start her artistic signature of unapologetically demystifying, deconstructing, and trampling on the norms and standards of the classics.

HATCHED is now being extended to include nine ballet trained dancers from different ethnic backgrounds, who will perform the work, conveying deeply personal and challenging issues of tradition and artists evolving sexuality and gender norms within the dance classics, until they ultimately realize their own respective true identities within the arts and creative industry.

In this instance, the HATCHED ENSEMBLE addresses the juxtaposing movement vocabulary and accompaniment from diverse cultures, and referencing both classical Western music, dance and traditional African vocal scores and grounded movement.

HATCHED ENSEMBLE speaks to anyone who has ever felt a conflict with their own identity and questioned where they belong to the status quo.

‘Hatched Ensemble’ powerfully conveys challenging issues of tradition – https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/lifestyle/arts-festival/2023-06-28-hatched-ensemble-powerfully-conveys-challenging-issues-of-tradition/