INALA (which means ‘abundance of goodwill’ in Zulu), fuses western contemporary and traditional Zulu dance and music, to create a unique, immersive experience reflecting both cultures. The production is the brainchild of British composer, Ella Spira and first artist of the Royal Ballet, Pietra Mello-Pittman.
Ladysmith were brought to international acclaim through their collaboration with Paul Simon on his Graceland album in 1986 and won a fourth Grammy Award in January this year for Best World Music Album.
“It has always been our mission to spread our South African culture as widely as possible, so it is very important for us to bring INALA to the UK and then the rest of the world,” says group founder Joseph Shabalala. “We look forward to giving our audiences a new experience.”
Ladysmith sing in Zulu, accompanied by instrumentalists and dancers in striking, tribal costumes. Says choreographer Mark Baldwin: “I am inspired by music and the more I listened to Ladysmith in the early days of the project, the more I realised this style of singing really is suited to dancing. The dancers mix African moves with classical and contemporary dance, using warrior and animalistic poses to reflect the wildlife and culture of South Africa.”
“INALA is influenced by Zulu dancing and South African stories and culture, creating a new language of dance that respects the traditions of ‘pure’ classical dance training of all our dancers,” explains INALA co-founder and producer, Mello-Pittman.
Spira, INALA co-founder and co-composer, worked with members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo to write the music, accompanied by piano, percussion and strings. “The group has never annotated its music before, so writing the score for INALA was a challenge,” says Spira, “but the passion and culture of Ladysmith soars through and brings the narrative of the ballet to life.”
INALA is supported by BAFTA award-winning sound designer, Adrian Rhodes, who has created a bespoke soundscape. Catch the show at Cambridge Corn Exchange, 4 October, 7.30pm. Tickets £22-£25.
