Among the Ncoakhoe (San) of Botswana, dance holds healing power. In these central rituals, men enter trance states through dance movement, guided by the rhythmic chants and claps of women, to access the spirit world and dispel illness. Yet, their significance goes beyond healing. The harmony required to perform these rituals weaves individuals into a shared fabric of care, interconnecting personal recovery with collective wellbeing. Drawing from this rich heritage, members of the Collective/less company reinterpret, adapt, and creatively reimagine these ancestral practices. Through their embodied knowledge and with their words, they share insights on the enduring relevance of these dances in today’s world.
The traditional dance performance will be preceded by a dialogue between anthropologist Leila Baracchini and the performers.