
Nyami Nyami
Produced in 2018 and revisited in 2020
Production
Before industrialization displaced the Tonga tribe of Zimbabwe, lived a snake spirit called Nyami Nyami. With the body of a snake and the head of a fish, Nyami Nyami roamed the Zambezi valley, giving sustenance to the people when in difficult times.
Influenced by the need for economic growth, Zambezi River was captured by the immensity of the project to dam its natural flow, for the purpose of producing hydroelectric power.
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The performance explores a culture that undergone forced transformation and reduced into simple carvings depicted on touristic souvenirs. Though the essence of the lost culture remains in form of songs, stories and traditional dance practices, the spiritual space and knowledge of the Nyami Nyami is now an imagination.
A drum beaten a thousand years ago still resounding, honoring the snake spirits with hope that one day they will return and bring the people salvation.
Credits
Dancers/Performers: Synne Erichsen, Elisabeth Ludwig, Shawn Addison, Kamilla Moen, Victor O Perdersen.
Choreography: Tendai Makurumbandi
Sound composer: Mcntosh Jerahun, Jimu Makurumbandi
Costume: Tendai Makurumbandi, Trude Nistad, reimagined by Peny Spanou
Scenography: Julius Makurumbandi
Supported by: Arts and Culture Norway and FFUK.





