Current
Production

BOY’S KHAYA

Powerfully moving and personal, BOY’S KHAYA is Tavaziva Dance’s latest work, an account of Bawren Tavaziva’s early life in Zimbabwe told through a mesmerising combination of contemporary, ballet and African dance, with a spoken-word soundtrack and music.

From a little house hidden behind the white master’s mansion, a young man struggles to comprehend where we are now… and why? Political persecution, slavery and modern colonialism create a rich source of untold truths.

BOY’S KHAYA, meaning ‘servants house’ is a colonial legacy which still exists in Zimbabwe. It draws evocative memories for Bawren who grew up in one and speaks powerfully, through dance, about the fragility of human beings, evoking powerful emotions about Bawren’s early life and the human experience. His discoveries are a universal comment on Africa and who we are today.

Bawren’s soundscape and music expertly bring together the choreography, lighting and stage design, and performance by a cast of five dancers. BOY’S KHAYA is an immersive, thrilling and unforgettable audience experience.

Running time: approx. 60 mins without an interval.

 

Listen to Bawren Tavaziva speak about BOY’S KHAYA and why he chose to remount it in 2023.

BOY’S KHAYA is supported by:

 

BOY’S KHAYA (2021) was supported by:

         

               

Autumn 2023 Tour Dates:
29 September
Theatre Peckham
221 Havil Street
London
SE5 7SB
7.30 pm
07 October
Festival Theatre
The Studio
22 Potterrow
Edinburgh
EH8 9BL
7.30 pm
17 October
Lighthouse
21 Kingland Road
Poole
BH15 1UG
7.45 pm
24 October
Curve, Leicester
Rutland Street
Leicester
LE1 1SB
7.45 pm
26 October
Norwich Playhouse
42-58 St George’s Street
Norwich
NR3 1AB
7.30 pm
31 October
Enable US Festival
Drama Studio
University of Sheffield
S10 2TD
8.00 pm
13 November
Stephen Joseph Theatre
Westborough
Scarborough
YO11 1JW
7.30 pm

Cast

Jessica Chambers

BOY'S KHAYA 2023 DANCER

Jessica Chambers’ contemporary dance training started at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance CAT scheme, and she later attended Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, gaining a first class BA honours. She has been professionally working closely with Kennedy Muntanga Dance Theatre (KMDT) as a company dancer and co-choreographer/assistant, alongside performing for other choreographers such as Alexander Whitley, Jamaal Burkmar, and Bawren Tavaziva.

Imogen Cooper

BOY'S KHAYA 2023 DANCER

Imogen Cooper trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. She then completed her Masters with Emergence Dance Company. She studied contemporary dance, performance and professional practices and graduated with a distinction.  Imogen toured Unknown Realms with Ace Dance and Music with choreography by Vincent Mantsoe and Serge Aime Coulibally. Imogen has also worked with Company Chameleon, Becky Namguads, Joss Arnott, Jamaal Burkmar, Kennedy Muntanga, and Miguel Altunaga.

Iván Merino Gaspar

BOY'S KHAYA 2023 DANCER

Iván Merino Gaspar graduated from the University of Chichester with a First Class degree in Dance Performance. Iván then joined Lîla Dance and will be touring in their new production “Fault Lines”. Iván’s first professional work as choreographer “Lucero del Alba” was part of Resolution Festival 2023. He has also collaborated with other companies such as Luke Brown Company and Morvell Dance, and has performed works by José Agudo, Ceyda Tanc and Abi Mortimer.

Marta Świerczyńska

BOY'S KHAYA 2023 DANCER

Marta Świerczyńska is a Middlesex University (BA Hons) and London Contemporary Dance School (MA) alumnus. After graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma, Marta toured the UK performing ‘SPEAKEASY’ with Southpaw Dance Company. Marta’s freelance work includes producing her own dance film, choreographing on behalf of SAY Dance Company for Dance East CAT Programme, creating work for Resolution Dance Festival, delivering workshops for Watkins Dance Company, and being an understudy dancer for Kennedy Muntanga Dance Theatre.

Alex Thirkle

BOY'S KHAYA 2023 DANCER

Alex Thirkle trained at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. While still in training, he was an apprentice with Humanhood Dance Company, and he then immediately began working with Russell Maliphant Dance Company, touring internationally. Alex’s other performance and film work includes ‘Playscape’ by FKA twigs and Juliano Nunes; and ‘Family’ by Sharon Eyal. Alex has also danced in music videos by artists such as Ellie Goulding and Koreless.

Creative Team

Artistic Director and Choreographer

Bawren Tavaziva

Music and Spoken-word

Bawren Tavaziva

Rehearsal Direction

Joanne Bernard

Costume Design

Ben Voorhaar & Sabrina Zyla of Karisma

Lighting Design

Tim Speechley

Photographer

Foteini Christofilopoulou

Film

ArtsTrust Productions

Lighting Design (2021 Production)

Sherry Coenen