Bawren Tavaziva - Choreographer
Bawren Tavaziva's first choreographed work was 'Wachona' for Tumbuka in 1994. In this work he began an exploration into the spiritual influences of his boyhood drawing on a true mix of Shona tales from his father, corresponding Ndebele tales from his mother and his own experiences of community rites, in which neighbours aim to placate the often troublesome ancestral spirits. This sense of the traditional existing side by side with modern culture as it is evolving in Zimbabwe today remains the theme that Bawren returns to continually in his work.
Bawren has choreographed twice for State of Emergency's National Black Choreographic Platform, 'The Mission'.
The first time being 'Holla Out' in 2001. Here Bawren explores the impact
that artists
of different cultures have on each other when they meet and work together. This work was re staged for
Union Dance Company in 2002.
In 'Tsika', the second work for The Mission tour and staged in 2003, Bawren takes a look at the shebeens (beer halls) of Harare which were and still are an escape from life lived on the edge and where dance and music serve as a panacea to the poverty and desperation of peoples' lives. Using the rhythmic vocal harmonies of the old style Kanindo music (originally from Zaire and later developed in Zimbabwe) and reggae music, Bawren examines the similarities between the black dance forms of Africa, reggae culture of the Caribbean, street dance of Britain and contemporary dance. The music for 'Tsika' was composed by Bawren.
'Fleshless' was commissioned by ACE music and Dance Company in July 2003.
ZONE3 at Jacksons Lane commissioned 'Gule Dance' in August 2003 where it was presented as a work in progress. Gule Dance received additional support from an ACE Pro-Motion CPD award.
'Gule Dance' evokes the spirit of the Chigure people through a modern interpretation of a culture deeply woven into the fabric of communities in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Using his own original music compositions Bawren Tavaziva's creation is a contemporary celebration of the powerful spiritual beliefs underpinning his ancestral heritage.
'Gule Dance' was re staged in July 2004 for ROH2 at the Clore Studio.
In November 2003 'Mystic Chant' was presented as a solo at the HIP Festival, The Place Theatre, London and later, in March 2004 reworked as a duet for HIP at The Purcell Room, South Bank. The strong influence of reggae culture and the church on the lives of young Zimbabweans growing up in the townships forms the subject for the work.
Bawren was one of twenty semi-finalists commissioned to create works for The Place Prize 2004, choreographic competition, sponsored by Bloomberg. His entry 'Umdlalo kaSisi' is inspired by the death of a loved one, and combines traditional African and modern western movement for five dancers to his own musical composition. Bawren Tavaziva was selected by the panel of judges as one of five choreographers to take part in the finals of the competition.
Commissioner's comment:
A heartfelt narrative of love and loss, celebrating the gift of life and the strength
of community.
Bawren created 3 new works for Tavaziva Dance Company for the Autumn 2005 and Spring
2006 tour.
'Tribe', a duet that looks deep into the souls of the two protagonists
and into their relationship. Bawren explores what it is like to be untouched by outside influence and
truly know who you are.
'Worlds Apart', co-commissioned by Royal Opera House 2, had its premiere
on the 1st of July, 2005. It is a full company piece that expresses Bawren's frustration at the
changing manners of our time, especially in relation to the lack of respect we show others and in particular
the elderly. The third new work is a solo
'Zviri Mumoyo', which translates as
'It is in your heart'.