Mentiras Aplaudidas

In the works by the most important Mozambican choreographer Panaibra Gabriel Canda, the connection between dance and social/political issues has been playing a decisive role since the beginning. In MENTIRAS APLAUDIDAS (Celebrated Lies), three dancers and two musicians invite you to accept other perspectives on the history of civilization, and not to assume that the so-called “West” is the only rational sociopolitical system. The piece questions historic narratives and ideas of dominance, nationality, cultural affiliation and identity, and takes us along on a trip through urgent current issues with their cultural battles, political and ideological convictions, fears and insecurities.

MENTIRAS APLAUDIDAS takes a look at a world in which “fake news” are standard fare every day and the game of manipulation between truth and lies is catapulted onto a new level. What side of history do we stand on? On what side is the truth? Our insatiable curiosity about our heritage has created a series of different answers to this question that originate from what we now call cultural appropriation.

At the latest under globalization’s influence, historiography must be newly evaluated: It is no pure collection of data and fact, no linear series of unambiguous events. Instead, consciousness is increasing that historiography always must be read in the context of its authors.

www.planbhamburg.com/artist/panaibra-gabriel-canda/