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"After years of absence from the world stage, JUXTAPOWER is an important initiative and a long overdue expression of theatrical and cultural exchange.” - Solomon Bafana Matea.

"GOT ZULU?"

JUXTAPOWER (South Africa’ Song & Dance) is a stage production of dance and song blended with sketch humor/drama to offer the best of South Africa's theatrical tradition. This is a story of conflict and success that our culture has experienced in the last fourteen years since the end of Apartheid, it offers significant lessons about the land, history and its people, as well as their continued struggles and blessings under the new democratic government.

The production is about a narrator who is given a task to educate the world about South African history, he goes from the mines, to the townships, to the country side; emphasizing the beauty of art and the influences of the western culture on the South African population. The production includes Zulu/Suthu praise singing, dialogue, traditional songs, Zulu dance (foot stomping warrior dance), juxtaposed with a Ballet technique, as well as Gum boot dance (rhythmic movement) with a touch of American Stepping, and South African township dance (ghetto dance expression, inspired by Hip Hop and home made made choreography).
GOT ZULU?

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JUXTAPOWER travels to the British Virgin Paridise Island of Tortola, from the 30th of July until the 7th of August.
The cast will be staying at... Raffles Resort
Lambert Bay, East End
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Visit their website, www.rafflestortola.com... Got Zulu!

		This New York City based production of song and dance was first initiated by Sduduzo Ka-Mbili in the late 1999's, he was later joined by Solomon Bafana Matea, Kelly Boyd and Charmaine Trotman... to showcase and promote the rich and diverse heritage of the country through theatrical expression. An unbalanced and complete lack of cultural/theatrical exchange between the United States/Canada and South Africa had compelled Sduduzo Ka-Mbili to create this production of dialogue, dance and song. As a result, thousands of people across the US have had the opportunity to witness the beauty of South African culture and her history.
JUXTAPOWER has also truly grown into a successful production whose talents are now being recognized both nationally and internationally. Since the production’s first showcase, JUXTAPOWER had its first full premier of Uhambo (The journey) at the Harlem YMCA (The Little Theater), as well as its second biggest New York City season at The Kaye Playhouse(Hunter College), and its recent 2006 season at The Wings Theater in Soho (NYC). Their dynamic performances always receive great reviews and encomiums from the audiences and critics alike. The production has also been showcased at Robert Deniro's Tribeca Film Festival, Patrick Swayze's launch of his new film "King Solomon’s Mines. JUXTAPOWER is proud to have been involved in projects with the South African Consulate, South African Airways, South African Tourism and Riverside Church in New York City. JUXTAS have also appeared at the British Virgin Islands, Harlem's Apollo Theater for Africa's AIDS victims, in collaboration with The Lion King and Aidacast members. Hosted by Dr. Felicia Mabuza Suttle and Dr. Harry Belafonte, JUXTAPOWER opened Sounds of South Africa at City Center (NYC), for the likes of Hugh Masekela & the All stars, Abdullah Ibrahim, Soweto String Quartet, and Khanyo. This South African Tourism sponsored event (2007) was an effort to bring about an awereness of South Africa's talent, beauty and cultural abundance. "GOT ZULU?" REVIEW... Oct. 25, NYC>. –U2 frontman Bono was honored by the Keep a Child Alive charity at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom, who acclaimed the singer’s “groundbreaking and crucial work in the AIDS movement” at the organization’s annual fundraising ball. Sheryl Crow, David Bowie, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, veteran record executive Clive Davis and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong were among the notables in attendance, while event musical director Alicia Keys livened up the evening by previewing a slate of songs from her upcoming As I Am album after Zulu drum ‘n’ dance troupe JUXTAPOWER fired up the crowd with their rousing rythms. Bono’s fellow honorees at the event were actor Nick Reding, founder of Sponsored Arts For Education, Kenya, and Dr. Pasquine Ogunsaya of Uganda’s Alive Medical Services. . By Jerry McCulley

JUXTAPOWER

…… has also performed before President Clinton, President Ford & President Carter, and many other famous personalities, and has toured extensively in cities and states like Pennsylvania, Memphis, Florida, Upstate New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Georgia, Virginia, Washington DC, Massachusetts and Ohio, Chicago, New Hempshire, Maine, Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and LA, to name a few. On October 2007, JUXTAPOWER opened for Keys, Gwen Stefanie, Sherly Crow and Bono, in New York City, at the Black Ball Event...honoring Bono and raising money for the opharns in Africa, this event was hosted Iman and Alicia Keys.

JUXTAPOWER MISSION is to keep the memory and dialogue on South Africa fresh within the world community, as well as to entertain, promote, inspire, and educate about the wealth of talent, history and creativity from which the world can learn.

THE ROLE OF ARTISTS Many people throughout the world recognize the importance of cultural exchange in these hazardous times of political clashes, due mainly to ethnic, traditional, and religious misunderstandings. Since artists are the story tellers of the day, JUXTA-members take this responsibility full force, ensuring a sufficient flow of continental theatrical exchange and dialogue in hopes of educating, entertaining and enlightening others about who they are in relation to the world, as a culture and people. Every artist has this responsibility or they also run a risk of being accused of silence in the face of tragedy and all else, for not acting, singing, and speaking out, thus spreading the messages to the world body. This has been done before, and clear examples are Sarafina (Broadway stage show & movie), which alerted the world about the evils of apartheid in South Africa, as well as Hotel Rwanda, which also brilliantly portrayed the savagery/bravery of others, and the betrayal of the international communities during the slaughter that resulted in hundreds of thousands dead in Rwanda. The Media also has a similar responsibility when reporting on anybody; that is to be fair in telling the world of any injustice and indeed to offer praise where it is due. Sduduzo Ka-Mbili

"Artists are the myth-makers of the day,"the great Joseph Campbell.

Sduduzo Ka-Mbili's commitment to the New York City community has afforded JUXTAPOWER a wonderful home at the world-famous Harlem YMCA, where the company conducts its rehearsals and workshops. He dreams of seeing JUXTAPOWER provide theatrical entertainment to poor and developing countries in South America, Asia, Europe and Africa, especially in places where there is very limited opportunity for this kind of exchange and showcase. He looks forward to such bookings as well as the support of all those who believe in his dream.
"Got Zulu?"

Now available for Theatrical Appearances, Outdoor and Indoor Festivals/Concerts, Arts In Residence, Special/Industrial Engagements, School Workshops, College Residencies, Films, (917) 405-1712 ...we look forward to working or keeping in touch with you. “GOT ZULU?”

contact officers.

Listen to INSIGHTS & REELS (a show of importance)...every Thursday Night on SAR-fm Radio, 7:00pm-9:00pm, hosted by JUXTAPOWER dogs...Sduduzo Ka-Mbili, Bafana Solomon Matea & Amanda Gavan (news reader)...see ya on d radio

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