Multi-disciplined French theatre production Mâ Ravan' offers art in the flesh

Philippe Pelen Baldini from Reunion Island choreographs and directs this 70-minute production inspired by the ravanne - a round drum found in all Indian Ocean islands, Eastern Africa, India and Sri Lanka, among other countries. This production run is supported by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).

Mâ Ravan' is written to primarily echo the memory and energy of the ravanne which were used to call the ancestors that stayed “on the other side of the sea”.
It stages the urgent need - beyond the wounds of history - to resume links and filiations from one island, coast or world to another. At its heart is the story of so many among us who seek to rekindle a connection with a past that stretches lands, oceans and time.

Mâ Ravan' uses the ravanne as a rallying point, creating alliances and linking different worlds. Performers sing, play and make the ravanne dance to awaken the memories and secret alliance between nature and man, man and his territory, man and his long history. It becomes an exploration of individual and collective stories written on everyone's skin, on the dancers' skin, echoing that of ravannes.

But don't expect a specific story, rather an itinerary of sorts. The text, which is short, is written like a score, to ensure there is no language barrier. The visuals, music and dance question roots, sources and origins and that's its contemporary and universal dimension.

Taliipot Theatre describes Mâ Ravan' as “more than a show… it is a dramatic ritual in several stages, multiplying the emotions created”. To date it has been performed in more than 60 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, America and Oceania.

Deeply inspired by the roots and traditions of the Indian Ocean islands, Taliipot Theatre's main focus revolves around the memory of the ancestors and their heritage. The company's contemporary creations interrogate the notion of identity of the ‘coloured' by mixing physical theatre, dance, music and traditional tales from the Indian Ocean.

Baldini brings years of insight to life. Along with Thierry Moucazambo, he founded the French company, Taliipot Theatre, 20 years ago in Reunion Island. And for this production he has drawn on a cast comprising Moucazambo, Mickael Marmitte, José Njiva Andrianantenaiana and Pascal Marie. The cast hails from Mauritius, Reunion Island and Madagascar.

While the stage performance is the central focus for the Taliipot Theatre, the company is also interested in holding public performances and workshops while in Cape Town. And that opens a door to interaction with a company that has been bestowed with numerous international awards particularly for its work towards a culture revolving around peace.

Mâ Ravan' plays at Artscape Theatre on June 25 and 26 at 7:30pm. It also plays at this venue on June 27 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost R80.

For more information check www.artscape.co.za and computicket for ticket bookings.