As part of Wandsworth Council’s Black History Month 2020 programme, Mercy Nabirye talks to Bawren Tavaziva about growing up in Zimbabwe, his early dance career and his influences. The conversation explores Bawren’s move to the UK to pursue his dream of joining Phoenix Dance Theatre, setting up his own dance company and why he feels so passionately about translating the political and social injustices facing many Zimbabweans through his productions and educational programme.
Including an extract from his 2006 duet Mandla, and a recent short film created in tribute to Steve Biko, a South African anti-apartheid activist who fought for Black people’s freedom, Bawren shares his motivation to educate his audiences on Black History and the important figures that have inspired him along the way.