Fables from the Earth that Stood Still delves into the facets of contemporary life in Namaqualand, aiming to connect the audience with the enduring wisdom of the Nama culture through the medium of storytelling.
The performance also bridges the storytelling traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the Khoekhoe first nation people, while examining how the body is understood and utilized as a medium of expression in Nama traditions. Resulting an abstraction of form, communicating these stories through contemporary dance in the mode of image making.
The Nama people, also known as the Namaqua, are an ethnic group indigenous to Namibia and South Africa. They primarily inhabit the Namaqualand region, which spans across both countries. Namaqualand is known for its arid climate and unique flora, particularly its annual wildflower displays.
The Nama people have a rich cultural heritage, characterized by their unique language, music, and traditional practices. The Nama language is part of the Khoekhoe language group, which is distinguished by the use of click consonants. This linguistic feature is also reflected in their musical traditions, where clicks and aspirations play a significant role in the music.
In terms of social structure, the Nama are traditionally organized into clans, each led by a chief. These clans historically practiced a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding livestock such as sheep and goats. The Nama people also have a history of resistance and resilience, having faced various challenges over centuries, including colonialism and apartheid.
Namaqualand itself is a region characterized by its rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions, yet it supports a diverse range of plant life. The region is particularly famous for its seasonal wildflower bloom, which attracts tourists from around the world. Despite the environmental challenges, the Nama people have adapted to this landscape, maintaining their cultural practices and traditional livelihoods.
Duration:
0:38:00
Performed by:
Byron Klassen
Faroll Coetzee
Creative director:
Alfred Hinkel
Company:
Garage Dance Ensemble
Curated by:
Hamzeh Alfarahneh
Produced by:
Shams Otair
Assistant producer:
Elvira Kokka
Audio and Light:
Alister Vowels
Production Companies:
Art(Advisory)
Night Owl
Commissioned by:
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Audio credits:
Track 1: “Nama Prayer” Recording of Dina Christiaans, edited by Oscar Langdown Track 2: “Bird Calls” - Recorded by Alfred Hinkel, track engineered by Oscar Langdown Track 3: “Xhuobree Mixdown” by Tsisi Ka Noomga, from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997 Track 4: “Tradition (Byron's Solo)” by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana, and Esmé Marthinus, Hossie Boois, “Xhuobree Mixdown” by Tsisi Ka Noomga, from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997 Track 5: “Renwal (Faroll's Solo)” Musicians: Philip Tabane & Malombo - Leftashe (The World) Released 1989 by ICON Records 1991 Track 6: “Time Stood Still Mixdown” Samples from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997 Track 7: “Water” samples from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997
The performance also bridges the storytelling traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the Khoekhoe first nation people, while examining how the body is understood and utilized as a medium of expression in Nama traditions. Resulting an abstraction of form, communicating these stories through contemporary dance in the mode of image making.
The Nama people, also known as the Namaqua, are an ethnic group indigenous to Namibia and South Africa. They primarily inhabit the Namaqualand region, which spans across both countries. Namaqualand is known for its arid climate and unique flora, particularly its annual wildflower displays.
The Nama people have a rich cultural heritage, characterized by their unique language, music, and traditional practices. The Nama language is part of the Khoekhoe language group, which is distinguished by the use of click consonants. This linguistic feature is also reflected in their musical traditions, where clicks and aspirations play a significant role in the music.
In terms of social structure, the Nama are traditionally organized into clans, each led by a chief. These clans historically practiced a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding livestock such as sheep and goats. The Nama people also have a history of resistance and resilience, having faced various challenges over centuries, including colonialism and apartheid.
Namaqualand itself is a region characterized by its rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions, yet it supports a diverse range of plant life. The region is particularly famous for its seasonal wildflower bloom, which attracts tourists from around the world. Despite the environmental challenges, the Nama people have adapted to this landscape, maintaining their cultural practices and traditional livelihoods.
Duration:
0:38:00
Performed by:
Byron Klassen
Faroll Coetzee
Creative director:
Alfred Hinkel
Company:
Garage Dance Ensemble
Curated by:
Hamzeh Alfarahneh
Produced by:
Shams Otair
Assistant producer:
Elvira Kokka
Audio and Light:
Alister Vowels
Production Companies:
Art(Advisory)
Night Owl
Commissioned by:
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Audio credits:
Track 1: “Nama Prayer” Recording of Dina Christiaans, edited by Oscar Langdown Track 2: “Bird Calls” - Recorded by Alfred Hinkel, track engineered by Oscar Langdown Track 3: “Xhuobree Mixdown” by Tsisi Ka Noomga, from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997 Track 4: “Tradition (Byron's Solo)” by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana, and Esmé Marthinus, Hossie Boois, “Xhuobree Mixdown” by Tsisi Ka Noomga, from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997 Track 5: “Renwal (Faroll's Solo)” Musicians: Philip Tabane & Malombo - Leftashe (The World) Released 1989 by ICON Records 1991 Track 6: “Time Stood Still Mixdown” Samples from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997 Track 7: “Water” samples from Songs For Healing performed by Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana the vocalist unknown, recorded by John Brearley, Label J. S Brearly – KCD 004, Release Date 1997