"The Rite of Spring" at the National Theatre

If there is one powerful African dance company that has single-handedly revolutionized contemporary dance in Uganda, working in fusion with the European style, it is the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet.

The posse of lithe dancers will put up a weekend of mesmerising performance on Friday and Saturday (23-24^th April 2010) in the National Theatre auditorium here in Kampala, at 7:30 pm respectively, and tickets are already on sale at our Booking Office.

You cannot afford to the miss the highlight ballet, The Rite of Spring (le sacre du printemps) on the well known music of Igor Stravisky with live percussions by one of Uganda's best percussionists, Hermann Ssewanyana, and other 11 dancers of Uganda National Contemporary Ballet.

"I have always wished to create this great work, Rite of Spring, but before now was never able to find the dancers I needed," says choreographer Valerie Miquel, on Stravinsky's masterpiece. "And now I have found them; the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet has what it takes; thanks to them we can now present this fantastic piece of music and dance."

Igor Stravisky (1882 -1971) was a quintessential Russian composer, pianist and conductor, in fact, is considered one of the world’s most outstanding influential composer of 20^th century music. According to wikipedia, The Rite of Spring did not earn Stravinsky enviable stature as "a musical revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of musical design," it also "transformed the way in which subsequent composers thought about rhythmic structure…the music's innovative complex rhythmic structures timbres, and use of dissonance have made it a seminal 20th century composition."

When I ask Valérie to tell us in simple terms the story behind the acclaimed dance piece, her eyes dance merrily and she says: "There is no story. For me this music is a celebration of life: life in nature, life of human beings. Spring is the strongest season - the rebirth of nature each year - and is full of strength and energy. Spring is also the season of renewal, where all is new, innocent, and open to everyone. That is why we have among us a little four year-old girl, Martina."

She adds: "The dancers represent all the powerful animalistic instincts of life, which are in all of us. Forget about understanding, just feel free and flow with us through this passionate dance. And celebrate life!"

There will be special guests –the Chinese Kung Fu Club of Kansanga who will present All Men are Brothers and Skar  who will sing where is this Love, a song created for the street children.

Like I said, tickets are being sold at the National Theatre Kampala for 5,000 shillings or  you can call 0773 09 15 86 or 0712 72 74 24.    

The "Pearl of Africa a Powerhouse of Art

By Robert Bake

The recent happenings on Uganda’s literary scene undoubtedly point to a great revolution that’s taking place in the art and creative industry in the country. The Authors’ Forum every month, the gathering by Kampala Readers’ Club every fortnight, the various trainings for screenwriters, movie producers, directors and actors/actresses, and more regular art exhibitions, among other events, cannot be happening at this magnitude by accident.

Today, the media has opened more to promotion of local talent and the works of local authors. Designers are showcasing their works on every television station. Comedy shows are becoming more and more popular. Every minute a song is being produced in the studio. Talent search programs from every angle are taking place. Awards for distinguished artistes are being organized annually. All this is evidence that something new is happening. Something that the world should get ready for!

I have this conviction that Uganda is about to prove itself a powerhouse of art and creativity. The time has come when the Pearl of Africa is no longer going to be known world over for President Idi Amin’s tyrannical rule, HIV/AIDS, corruption or the war against Joseph Kony and the LRA, but for the power of art and creativity. The industry is growing at a terrific and unstoppable speed. The literary tempo is high and I have no doubt that a revolution is taking place. I am glad to be amidst this revolution!

Message of Condolence

It's with utmost grief and shock that the Board, Management and Staff of the Uganda National Cultural Centre have learnt of the sudden death of Ms. Susan Bamutenda. The creative and performing arts fraternity will so miss her bright contribution particularly in the field of dance. Indeed, she'll be difficult to replace. Our sincerest condolences to her family, relatives and friends. We will always love and remember you, Susan. May the good and ever kind Lord rest your soul in enverlasting peace.

Butterflies of Uganda

Isn't that a beautiful title? Well, Butter Flies of Uganda is showing at the National Theatre this weekend, starting tomorrow Saturday to Sunday, 3:00 and 7:00 pm respectively. And the good news is that it's on us --which means it's absolutely free!

Because it's drawn from real life, Butterflies of Uganda is closer home that you can imagine. Beyond the powerful symbolism behind the title, the story is as sobering as this line from the script can get: "Let me tell you a story. I was conceived in rape."  That's all I can reveal now because I don't want to spoil the broth for you.

And in case you have watched Butterflies of Uganda and you are not the kind that twice watches a film, then fret not! On the same menu, we also have Waiting for my Tractor, a short film by Theatre Factory. I've not watched the film but if what is written on the jacket can be trusted, then it's one hilarious film:

"Waiting for my Tractor is all about hope and tells us that our dreams can come true if we appreciate that there are others with similar goals, identify them and work with them towards overcoming our blockades and enjoying the fruits of taking action..."  

I don't know about you but as for me, it is with unbated breath that I'm looking forward to watching these films at the National Theatre tomorrow and on Sunday, once again at 3:00 and 7:00pm 

Black Mamba at the National Theatre

As part of its educational moves, the National Theatre will this weekend (Friday February 12-14) stage a production of the late Prof. John Ruganda's famous play, Black Mamba, at 3pm. Entrance free is 3,000 shillings for students and 5,000 for the rest.

 A sobering account of the things people do in the pursuit of "prosperity and a better life," Black Mamba is on the O-Level Literature Syllabus and is arguably Uganda 's finest works of literature in the drama genre. 

 The performance of this play also carries significant symbolism for all enthusiasts of Ugandan theatre as they remember the golden era of Ugandan theatre and Prof. Ruganda for his gripping writing style and illumination of social concerns in his works such as The Burdens (1972), Black Mamba (1973), The Floods (1980), Covenant with Death (1973), Music Without Tears (1982), Echoes of Silence (1986) and Telling the Truth Laughingly (1993) not forgetting his prolific poetry. 

 Ruganda's influence was so tangible that it would not be farfetched to call him the Henrik Isben of Uganda . During a 2008 Memorial Lecture in his honour at the University of Limpopo, where he taught before his death in 2007, he was described by Prof. Taban Lo Liyong as "an international and revered playwright, poet, actor and a theatre director; his work is a stone that will live for ever."

 At a time when Ugandan theatre is limping following fierce blows of competition from the music and movie industry, the staging of Black Mamba at the National Theatre is expected to stir up creative figures not only to keep the spirit of Ruganda alive but to churn out formidable manuscripts that shun evil but advocate for values in society while providing rich stage entertainment as well.

'The Meet' in their 4th Poetry Recital at National Theatre

The Lantern Meet of Poets will hold their 4th Poetry Recital under the theme "Footprints of Verse –an Odyssey." Come early this Saturday and grab your seat in the main auditorium of the National Theatre. At 6pm, the curtain will rise. Don't say I didn't tell you…

I don't know about you but I've not forgotten the hum and strum that coloured that evening toward the close of August 2009 when the Lantern Meet of Poets gathered in the National Theatre auditorium to give their ever increasing fans their Third Grand Recital.

It was a full house and I remember thinking that more than inspiring artistic creativity, this urban group of impassioned writers would forever be remembered for helping poetry find acceptance in Uganda.

The animated audience were fed on a glut of the impressive poems carefully selected and delivered to complement the theme of the night, A Fresh Coat of Paint. But most memorable was the homage and living tributes paid to connoisseurs gone and living -Okot p'Bitek, Henry Barlow, Dr. Susan Kiguli, Prof. David Rubadiri, Richard Ntiru and Prof. Timothy Wangusa, to mention.

Now, The Meet, as they are popularly known, will have their next recital this Saturday, February 6 at the National Theatre auditorium –and I can hardly contain myself! I mean they have seemingly done it all: poems that embody the universal human experience; tears and laughter, poverty and affluence, spirituality and degeneration, joy and hurt –think of every imaginable subject. And last time, the presentation was given a backdrop pf drum, guitar and violin music, what is it going to be this time, I wonder. What is going to be that extra zing?

Guy Mambo smiles simply and says if you liked the previous recitals this one is going to be bigger and better. And if you were in my shoes, what would you add, honestly? Well, see you this Saturday at the National Theatre, and don't worry because it's all free.

Jam Session Is Not In Jeopardy

I would like to draw your attention to the inaccuracies in the article, Jam Session in Danger Again that featured in The Observer of January 28-31, 2010. By reporting that the Jam Session is "in jeopardy," the writer, David Tumusiime, was speculating.

He didn't consult me or the director of this institution to cross-check his story for purposes of objectivity, accuracy, fairness and truth as the journalism profession demands.

The Monday night Jam Session has been a popular part of the entertainment menu since 1989, with urban people flocking to the National Theatre to enjoy a combo of live music and performances. As such, it cannot drift away just like that.

The scrupulous truth is that the Jam Session is undergoing a revolution for musical arrangements and live performances that will rhyme with the international definition of "a jam session."

Of essence is nurturing performers and helping others attain professionalism and global appeal. The regular performers and patrons were informed about this re-branding process way in advance; they endorsed the idea and are looking forward to a fresh Jam Session, new equipment, improved security, great partnerships, star performances and, most of all, an artistic soul that will serve as a role model to the entire industry here and across the border.

p.s. This response can be read in today's online edition of the The Observer as well.

Authors' Forum Comes to the National Theatre

The Authors' Forum has solidified its position as one of the most inspirational happenings on Uganda's social calendar, and become the balm that assuages the fears of many in a country where a poor reading culture and disrespect of intellectual property have long been bemoaned.

Concerned with nurturing talent and helping authors conquer writing hurdles, the Authors' Forum is a brainchild of Mr. Robert Bake, one of Uganda's Christian-inspirational authors, motivational speaker and the Managing Director of the World of Inspiration. It also links people who have new ideas with people who want to fund those ideas.

Five months since its launch in Kampala, the Authors' Forum continues to attract more formidable forces in the literary world as those who attended the November 2009 edition have testified about the electrifying presentation from Dr. Moss Mashamaite, a famed South African author and businessman. 

Now it has found a permanent home at the National Theatre which part of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC). This month’s edition, indeed, will be in the National Theatre Auditorium this Wednesday, February 3, starting 5:00p.m. Entrance fee: 15,000 shillings.

This time around, "The focus is on wealth creation," says Bake. "We're looking at how authors can raise funding through our work, and how we can use our works to influence positive values in society."

The guest of honour is Prof. Peter Kasesenene.

Keiga Dance Company and Sebunjo Bring their Magic to National Theatre

It's "live time" at the National Theatre, on January, Friday 22^nd to Sunday 24^th 2010 in Without Borders, a contemporary dance performance without limitations featuring our own Joel Sebunjo (pictured) with live music.

Organised by  Keiga Dance Company with support from Alliance Française de Kampala Uganda, this is a performance that all dance lovers will gladly relish. As The New Vision reports, the company is "unpredictable in its composition" and you know nothing is as exhilarating as the element of surprise in any artistic creation or performance.

Sebunjo, who's a main feature, is that World Music-ian prodigy you cannot afford to miss! Armed with a musicology degree (he majored in Ethnomusicology –the study of world cultures and their music), a voice to match and dexterous at playing percussion instruments of all modes, Bunjo as he's popularly known among his bulk of fans, is a sensation here and abroad.

Sebunjo and his threesome band (Sundiata) have performed in Finland, Sweden, Kenya, Belgium, Estonia, England, Hong Kong, China, Rwanda, Taiwan and in many West African countries where he has been chanced to share a stage with sensational world musicians like Salif Keita, Etran Finatawa, Yossou N'Dour,Cheb Kaled, Ba Cissoko, Didier Awadi,  Toumani Diabate, Oliver Mtukudzi, Jalibah Kouyateh, not forgetting Swedish star Alle Moller.

He learnt his trade from his grand father, a court musician then, and was later apprenticed to masters of Ganda royal court music like Dr. Albert Ssempele, Busuulwa Katambula, and Ludoviko Serwanga. He went on to draw further inspiration particularly from West Africa's traditional folk music greats. He likes to brag about how in Gambia he met his icon, Alagi Mbye who helped him become a master Kora player.

All this pretty has much to do with the feel of his music which is expressed largely through instruments but is difficult to express with words. The rhythm and style of his music varies; he sings in Luganda and Wolof of Senegal, Mandinka (Gambia/Guinea) which explains the diversity of his repertoire.

And because he plays the Kora, bow lyre, xylophone, 4-hole bamboo flute, conical drums, tube fiddle, thumb piano, drums, and other native instruments from East and West Africa, Sebunjo's acoustic sound –an African touch of folk, jazz and blues –always  enters fresh into the ears of his fans.

Arguably no one has popularized Uganda's folk music like Sebunjo. He has performed with popular afro-jazz groups like Baxmba Waves and is a darling of many at Alliance Française concerts and at Ndere Centre where he performs occasionally. His music illuminates the cross-cultural diversity in Africa and he's arguably Uganda's star of "playing live."

So this weekend (Friday-Sunday) at the National Theatre, 7pm, Main Auditorium, 10.000 shillings, come and watch a performance to remember. Come and see a contemporary dance performance without limitations to dance technique –featuring Joel Sebunjo –fusing the best of live music, instruments and traditions.

Hilarious January at the National Theatre

The Obsessions in a hilarious farce, Tears of my Soul (see one of the scenes in the picture) in the Main Auditorium on the weekend of 8^th -10^th and then on 15^th to 17^th January 2010. Two shows on each occasion; 3pm and 7pm for 10.000 shillings each.

Don't miss the premier of Ekimyanso Mu Mukwano, a film by the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry. It will be in the Main Auditorium, at 7p.m., and its free of charge. Loosely translated as The Blindness the film comes with English subtitles for those who don't comprehend Luganda. It's a powerful movie that revolves around themes of betrayal in relationships and the ramifications that come with revenge.

Monday nights, as usual, is for Jam Session. Fresh packages and a whole remix of spirited performances. Don’t miss! 7pm. Free! Great snacks, great drinks!

Percussion Discussion every Tuesday 8:30 pm. For only 5,000shillings get to enjoy live performances with an authentic African touch!

Meanwhile Comedy Night has been revitalized! Some new faces, great skits, more professionalism, don't miss –every Thursday, 8:30 pm, National Theatre Gardens. It's free as long as you pay 5000 shillings!

On the weekend of 22^nd to 24^th January 2010, the Keiga Dancers are back at the National Theatre Main Auditorium with great body movements and unrivalled choreography. 7pm. Main auditorium. 10.000 shillings only.

And the Latin Flavour will intoxicate you, baby! The rumba, the classic waltz, the foxtrot, mention it! Sensual dancing at its best. If you love the BBC Entertainment's Strictly Come Dancing, you will certainly fall for these great dances to. Come and enjoy a mesmerizing experience at only 5,000 shillings. In the Main Auditorium. 7pm.

The Latin Flavour is followed by the Bonfire. We are talking poetry at its best, gymnastics, story-telling, b-balling, hip-hop, traditional dances, riddles, hilarious drama skits (see picture), and all for free. Every Wednesday 8:30 pm. Don't miss the lyrical Curious and Ugly Emcee and his band of creative spirits

Who said you had no entertainment plot this January!