Batalo East, Africa’s top dance productions, renowned for its unique fusion of traditional and urban arts, has announced its theatre dance masterpiece dubbed ‘Moving Murals.’
Scheduled to happen at the Hangout in Jinja City from Friday 1 to Saturday 2 November, 2024, starting from 7:00 all the way to 8:30 PM, The audience will have to part with only Shs25,000 for Early bird tickets and Shs30,000 at the gate while the Children will only pay Shs20,000. Entrance is free for children age 3 years and below.
‘Moving Murals’ is a unique site-specific dance theatre piece that celebrates the rich diversity of humanity. Through a vibrant fusion of painting, traditional, and urban dance, this production explores the intricate beauty found in our varied colors, races, ethnicities, religions, and sexualities.
Choreographed by Elvis Elasu (Levy) and performed by Street Dance Force Crew members, ‘Moving Murals’ delves deep into Elasu’s profound appreciation of human appearance, colorism and the concept of beauty.
According to Rachael Nakato Communications Officer at Batalo East, “Levy envisions the world as an expansive art gallery, where an invisible, multidimensional artist has meticulously crafted each element of our existence. In his imaginative realm, every individual is a moving mural, living art that transcends boundaries. Each person embodies a unique style, inspiration, and a distinct expression of beauty.
The production prompts us to question: What defines beauty? How do we perceive ourselves and others? Does skin tone influence societal hierarchies? It challenges us to reflect on the definitions imposed by science, religion, and history, and invites the audience to embrace and cherish the beauty within themselves and others.”
The dance theatre features a diverse cast of five dancers, each bringing their unique ethnic backgrounds, skin tones, and body structures to the stage. The performance runs for 45 minutes and is designed to inspire admiration and respect for humanity.
Moving Murals amazing cast consists of; Elvis Elasu (Levy) – Choreographer and Dancer, Bwambale Shafik – Dancer and Costume Designer, Dancers Walusansa Derickson, Kasoga Winnifred and Matovu Bashir.
Find Phyisical tickets at The Hangout and Smart FM Jinja city and access online tickets on; https://qkt.io/
Who is Elvis Elasu?
Elvis Elasu, also known as Levy, is a renowned choreographer, dancer, visual artist and beat boxer from Jinja, Uganda. He founded Street Dance Force, a multi-award-winning hip-hop crew, and Weggule Foundation, a non-profit offering free arts sessions to communities in Eastern Uganda.
Levy’s work centres on marginalized groups, exploring themes like identity and belonging. His notable productions include Journey of a Street Child (2017), Ssukaali (2019), and Walk in the Light (2023), performed in countries like Mali, Germany, Italy, and Austria. A graduate of Kyambogo University, Levy combines music, live beat boxing, and site-specific choreography to empower vulnerable communities.
A look at Batalo East
Batalo East is renowned for its unique fusion of traditional and urban arts, with a vision to nurture “Generations of innovative Africans and artists who are aware and proud of their identity.”
Batalo East has consistently created full-length, socially relevant dance theatre pieces that shape societal intellect. With a team of highly skilled expert artists renowned within the Eastern African region, including some members from Tabu Flo Dance Co, a Ugandan company that, was reported by CNN International and, has pushed breakdance into Ugandan and international mainstream.
Batalo East prides in production of top notch shows including; Omusinde (2017) by Faizal Ddamba Mostrixx, Tonsindika (2018) by Vizurii Dance Crew, The Gathering (2019) by Clay Dance Company, Identity (2021) by Abdul Kinyenya and Jonzi D in collaboration with Breakin’ Convention UK, Nambi: The African Shield Maidens (2023) by Nabaggala Lilian Maximillian and The Legend of the Spear and the Bead (April 2024) in collaboration with Watero Dance Initiative –Gulu among others.
“Batalo East Productions is dedicated to creating theatre dances which are beneficial to societies and have an impact on the development of our communities,” Nakato concluded.
For information about Batalo East Dance Productions, visit the website: www.bataloeast.org, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok: Batalo East | Instagram: @bataloeast. And other programs including; The Equation. (monthly dance workshops), Kuhamahama arts movement, Batalo East Dance Festival.
