The most memorable theatre experiences are often those that tackle the big issues in society and at the 2025 Auckland Arts Festival the Los Angeles based Lula Washington Dance Theatre certainly delivered a memorable show.
This is a troupe that melds dance styles from ballet through to modern that when mixed with sharp political critique creates an unforgettable evening.
The evening was made up of two separate pieces each with multiple ‘scenes’ but they seemed to flow into one another effortlessly.
The show began with a narration about three sisters – love, faith, and hope and what followed was how history has affected these cherished virtues. Along side them was an eternal mother who provides sustenance to us all.
These dances were colourful, exuberant and an energetic exploration of life. A narrated dance of life. But, then history intervened and we were presented with a visceral recapping of the effects of slavery and discriminating in America.
The dance became more poignant and sadder as somber images were projected on the backstage wall – they showed us horrific violence that tragically continues to this day. Among the many faces of people killed by senseless act were Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
The physical embodiment of Hope at his point collapsed on the stage, worn out by the centuries of bigotry. But the Eternal Mother returned, and through her efforts and a montage of imagery showing the triumphs and successes of generations of black Americans Hope revived – this was a beautifully uplifting moment.
There were many, many more. In other sets dancers spoke directly to us with simple clear messages: ‘stop the hate,’ ‘I am your friend.’ There was a call for mercy for all the mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons.
Perhaps the most devastating was by a male dancer in fatigues. He called out, to some endorsement from the audience – ‘America we are tired of your S.H.I.T.’ He went on to say that since 1619 America has been killing ‘us’. It was blindingly obvious who he was referring to. Then he broke down repeatedly yelling ‘America stop killing me.’
It was raw, chilling and deeply emotional. Yet at that moment, the Eternal Mother appeared and hugged him as he sobbed. You don’t get a moment more emotionally devastating as that in theatre.
But it was not all grief – the resilience and joy of being human was on display. A fab Spanish version of I will Survive with an upbeat dance and a fusion of styles was fantastic.
The show officially ended with an extended club mix dance track and the most sensational dance routine if have seen in a long while. I say officially ended because after that the wonderful Lula Washington came on stage and the cast and audience sang Happy Birthday to celebrate her 75th birthday.
What stands out so strongly in this stunningly orchestrated and stylish dance show is the stupidity of hatred when all of us humans have so much in common. There was anger and grief in this show, but also joy and a simple love of love that was intoxicating.
What Lula Washington’s wonderfully talented troupe gave us was permission to acknowledge the past and remember that change comes when we all commit to keep the love.