The Ecstatic

The Apartheid era in South Africa saw the creation of an energetic form of suburban dancing called pantsula. A new subculture quickly grew up around this dance with extremely vigorous footwork. In The Ecstatic, Jeremy Nedd and Impilo Mapantsula combine pantsula with the tradition of pentecostal masses, which are noted for their exuberant dancing and singing.

In this show, Nedd and Mapantsula's aim to demonstrate what goes on when two dance styles join forces. Time seems to come to a halt on stage while six pantsula dancers perform precise movements through which they enter a genuine state of ecstasy.

Jeremy Nedd is a New York choreographer and performer. His work focuses on the process of dissecting and recontextualising content to compare definitions of contemporaneity.

Impilo Mapantsula is a professional organisation that promotes pantsula culture and dancing and which is made up of a global network of specialist dancers. The goal is to document and protect the pantsula legacy and support dancers by professionalising and developing their art.

The company will chat with the audience after 28 March play.