Dada Masilo’s The Sacrifice – Hull New Theatre

Hull New Theatre was far from full on Friday evening, when the UK premiere of Dada Masilo’s The Sacrifice took to its stage.

The fact it was Good Friday and potential theatregoers might have had other plans may have accounted for the empty seats.

But the lengthy applause from an appreciative audience for all on stage, at the show’s end, showed that those who did take up the seats were heartily glad they made the effort.

First to appear on the stage – whose backdrop of bare tree branches hardly changed throughout – were three very talented musicians playing keyboards, violin and a most unusual array of instruments that made sounds I simply cannot describe. And I don’t mean that in a negative way.

Award-winning choreographer, Masilo, hails from South Africa, so she is more than qualified to educate us in the expressive movements of Tswana, Botswana’s traditional dance.

The music is inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and some of the dance steps are similarly inspired by German choreographer Philippine “Pina” Bausch’s take on Stravinsky’s same work – a work that Masilo had the privilege of learning a small section of while studying in Brussels.

Friday’s show had Masilo dancing bare-breasted from the start. I’m not sure if that was necessary, but we had to imagine ourselves in another place and another culture.

She, and the other dancers (male and female) who entertained on the night, were so supple and graceful in their movements; balletic at times, mesmeric always. The dancers’ floaty costumes followed their movements perfectly.

As the title suggests, Masilo is sacrificed in a ritual, meaning she dances herself to death (well, that’s my take on it, anyway).

The three musicians – Leroy Mapholo, Moho Mothiba and Nathi Shongwe – often interacted with the dancers, sometimes humorously, so they were a huge part of proceedings, as was singer, Ann Masina, owner of the most amazing, piercing singing voice.

This all-South African company brought a very different style of dance to the theatre; a style I’ve never witnessed before. Rapid arm movements made me worry shoulder joints would be pulled out but, of course, these are professionals who obviously treat their bodies as temples.

I’ve already revealed Masilo dances to the death, so happy ending it ain’t, but I guess the show’s title gives the game away as well.

The ending when it comes is very poignant as you would expect, with a very moving scene between Masilo and Masina, followed by tributes from the rest of the cast.

The story behind The Sacrifice is quite easy to follow, but among all the waving arms and activity, I didn’t really see any pattern to the choreography. I’m sure that’s my bad – it is just a style of dancing I am not used to.

Am I glad I left my Easter egg in the fridge to head for the theatre on Good Friday? Of course. It was a sacrifice I was only too happy to make.

Presented by Dance Consortium

Running until Saturday, April 8th, 2023, 7.30pm nightly. Tickets from £15. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Choreographer: Dada Masilo

Age guidance 12+ due to the show’s theme and some partial nudity. running time 65 minutes, no interval

Reviewer: Jackie Foottit

Reviewed: 7th April 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★