Among the Ncoakhoe (San) of Botswana, dance holds healing power. In these central rituals, men enter trance states through dance movement, guided by the rhythmic chants and claps of women, to access the spirit world and dispel illness. Yet, their significance goes beyond healing. The harmony required to perform these rituals weaves individuals into a shared fabric of care, interconnecting personal recovery with collective wellbeing. Drawing from this rich heritage, members of the collective Xg'ae a tséé reinterpret, adapt, and creatively reimagine these ancestral practices. Through their embodied knowledge and with their words, they share insights on the enduring relevance of these dances in today’s world.
The traditional dance performance will be preceded by a dialogue between anthropologist Leila Baracchini and the performers.
Selected for an artistic residency at Oriente Occidente Studio, Collective/less arrives in Rovereto for two weeks, at the end of which they share the work they have done.
The company is led by choreographer Robin Lamothe who on this occasion collaborates with performers from Botswana belonging to the San community, who will weave their embodied knowledge of traditional dances into the production.
Oriente Occidente dedicates some dance and discussion events to San culture.
