Lillian Maximillian Nabaggala’s dance production dubbed Nambi showcased at Batalo festival as a work in progress, and has since evolved into an all-girls short film addressing the gender gap. PHOTO/GABRIEL BUULE
In a fully parked Ndere centre auditorium, lights go off and the sound of musician Shifah Musisi’s song, Ebirowoozo, plays. When the lights are switched back on, albeit dimly, a teenager in an improvised wedding dress, and a young man, execute contemporary dance moves.
Their moves mirror a silent disagreement of a stressed young couple with pain deep rooted in their hearts as an emotional sound bed plays to helpless dance moves.
Full lights appear and it turns out that the teenage girl in the improvised wedding dress appears pregnant. The sound finds another gear as what appears to be family members dance in celebration.
Then the pregnant teenager is placed on what looks like a bridal throne. As scenes unfold, it appears that the teenager gives birth to twin babies and the man runs away but her family is dancing to protect sugar, which is literally the bride price.
Towards the climax, the twins, who appear to be a boy and girl, push to change their destiny as the boy protects the sister from rapists and those interested in marrying her at an early age……CONTINUE READING…..