WINDHOEK, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A new theatrical dance seeking to provoke dialogue on abortion, which is illegal yet common in Namibia, debuted on Thursday evening here.
The plot of "Ilithya Gone Mad," co-created by not-for-profit Ombetja Yehinga Organization Trust (OYO) in conjunction with Eveline Castelein, a postgraduate student from Rotterdam University Erasmus in the Netherlands.
In 2016, the Ministry of Health and Social Services recorded 7,335 cases of abortion.
"While abortion is illegal in Namibia, many instances of backdoor abortions are performed, sometimes presenting the mother with major health hazards, what would the ancient Goddess think? Hence the dance," Talavera said.
The dance is inspired by the mythical figure of Ilithyia, the Greek Goddess of Childbirth, using physical theatre to tell a story through movement and without words.
"Contemporary dance is often perceived as abstract. Physical theatre is not. It builds from storytelling," said Philippe Talavera, the director of OYO.
Moreover, according to Talavera, apart from the complexities of relationships, other social variables such as culture, economics, legislation as well as gender issues have a high impact on decisions taken and made, at the peril of young girls.
"We have many adolescent pregnancies, but most individuals are fast to judge abortion on moral and religious grounds. Men are running away in most instances. Sometimes the girls' family turns her back on her too, and she is the only one left with the issue. We, therefore, turned to the stage to begin the discussions to drive positive change and human rights," said Talavera.
OYO is set to stage the project at various schools and public spaces during the countrywide tour, which is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the social issues facing Namibia. The dance will also adopt multimedia platforms for broader distribution.
