Deep Night preview

Visually explicit, contemporary dance, by four talented artists take to the stage in Joburg, unravelling the impulse ordinary humans are faced with on a daily basis during the “witching time of night”, when reality is blurred.

This fast paced theatre production, Deep Night, is choreographed by frequently intertwining bodies to sexually depict the impact HIV and AIDS plays in all our lives.

Set against the backdrop of a video installation of a Joburg nightclub, three provocatively dressed “sisters” depict through movement, certain issues facing party-goers who become so intoxicated that they lose track of reality.

Intimate scenes are taken to another level as the artists physically caress each other on stage to illustrate that even in certain once-off or committed relationships diseases are bred and transmitted.

Directed by PJ Sabbagha and performed by Dada Masilo, Bifikile Sedibe, Songezo Mcillizeli and Ivan Teme, the Forgotten Angle Theater Collaborative brings audiences a critically important HIV and AIDS story, which on all levels either affects or infects us.

According to Sabbagha, this production walks the line between a real and imaginary world, where we lose our inhibitions.

“HIV is most dangerous when people are intoxicated and don’t protect themselves,” he says.

Sabbagha, who is HIV positive himself, explains that the production was one of real life experiences to a point, as he was also once a “wild party animal” and aims to, through this production, showcase its consequences.

Taking place at the Wits Theatre in Braamfontein on 21, 22 and 24 August, this touching performace is sure to take audiences on a journey of self-discovery, realisation and accountability.

The author was a participant at the Life Beats - ARTS. JOURNALISM. HIV workshop hosted during the Drama For Life 2010 festival. She writes in her personal capacity.