The Official Blog of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), comprising the National Theatre and Nommo Gallery. An Institution guided by unity in diversity; nourishing, celebrating, preserving and promoting Uganda's Art and Culture.
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.
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 Ugandaand 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 Tractoris 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
As part of its educational moves, the National Theatre willthis 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 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.
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.
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."
It's "live time" at the National Theatre, on January, Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th 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."
Sothis 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.
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 8th -10th and then on 15th to 17th 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, NationalTheatreGardens. It's free as long as you pay 5000 shillings!
On the weekend of 22nd to 24th 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!
The place to be tomorrow at 7p.m, is the Uganda National Theatre where the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet (UNCB) will be crowning the year in style. Just so you don't know, this ensemble has played probably the greatest role in popularizing modern/contemporary dance in Uganda. When professional French choreographer and dancer, Valérie Miquel, accepted to participate in a 2007 dance project organized by Alliance Française in partnership with the Uganda German Cultural Society, little did she know that she would set precedence that would redefine the way Ugandans view contemporary dance.
After a two-week workshop with 12 professional dancers from Uganda, two riveting choreographic productions themed Black/White and Memories of Child Soldiers, were presented at Ndere Centre on September 16th, 2007. The success of the performance inspired Valerie to stay and form the Burudani Dance Company which switched name to Uganda National Contemporary Ballet on March last year.
Comprising Valerie Miquel, Patrick Kaddu, Desire Tedeka, Abdul Muyingo, Nassif Wambogo, Peter Kalifa, Roger Masaba, Brovin Kato, Mike Gaalala Kaddu, Suzan Kyomugisha, Hermann Ssewanyana (of Percussion Discussion), with John Nagenda (Presidential Adviser, Media & Public Relations), the group has been to France and Germany and all over East Africa, enthralling audiences with performances ranging from modern and contemporary to traditional dance, pantomime, Bharata Natyam (Indian Dance), pantomime plus jazz dance and some hip hop moves.
At the Global 2009 SMART Partnership Dialogue in Munyonyo, they presented a special creation that impressed the visiting dignitaries and in September they performed for the international celebration of the Year of the Gorillas at Kololo Airstrip. They also organised "an evening for the child soldiers all over the world" and performed again Memories of Child soldiers in collaboration with Invisible Children in Kampala at the National Theatre.
Being the first International Contemporary Dance Company in Uganda, UNCB have inspired other dance groups like Keiga Dance Company, Yole Dance, Kombat Dancers, Okulamba/MDD, Footsteps Dance Company , Break Dance Project and the In Movement among others, and therefore not only inspired the appreciation and acceptance of modern dance in Uganda but have tremendously raised the bar in terms of diversity and quality.
It's because of this and largely because its part of its mandate to encourage and nurture cultural and artistic activities that the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) offered its Dance Studio as rehearsal space to the group. The National Theatre is today their home for they have performed here every last Tuesday of the month with Percussion Discussion Africa.
When John Nagenda was celebrating his 71st birthday, UNCB honoured him with a special performance, Harmony. Obviously, he was delighted. He gushed in one of his Sunday Vision columns: "It was so serene a piece that while it was danced, with lights against darkness, I was minded to myself becoming more harmonious in outlook…"
The same piece will be performed along with other new creations tomorrow. For those fascinated by body movements and those curious about contemporary dance, the day to remember is Wednesday 16th December 2009 when UNCB crowns 2009 in style with a couple of performances that include Waiting Room,Dialogue (performed at the SMART Partnership Dialogue), The Bench, not forgetting For A Better Uganda.
The show will take place in the National Theatre main auditorium and entrance fee is 10,000shillings but students will pay half that. There's also a special offer whereby if you come with five friends, you enter for free and your friends pay only 5,000 each. Catch you there!
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.
