Dance show in Winnipeg revolves around campfire

The choreographer behind a new show wants the audience to join in on the fun that can be had around a campfire.

This weekend NAfro Dance is presenting ‘Around the Fire.’ The immersive show uses the theatre as a shared space where the performers and the audience gather around a bonfire.

NAfro’s artistic director, Casimiro Nhussi, said the inspiration behind the production is to get back to the idea of community that’s been lost. He said it’s all too common these days to see five people sitting together who aren’t talking to each other.

“We want to bring back that, ‘Hi, how are you? Can we sing together? Can we dance together? Can we exchange this idea face to face? Can I hear your voice? Can I touch you?’ he said.

Nhussi added the around-the-fire concept has been around for a long time and spans all cultures.

“Sitting together, tell a story, sitting together sharing information, sitting together just listening to music,” he said. “Just enjoy that moment with the fire there to warm up your heart.”

Nhussi said at times in the show performers will go out into the audience to get them up and dancing; other times audience members will be invited up on stage.

“It is a show where you have to be there; you have to be part of it because it’s a community,” he said. “To be together, that is what it is all about,”

Showtimes are March 7th and 8th at 8 p.m. and March 9th at 2 p.m. at Gas Station Arts Centre.

Nhussi said this is a family-friendly show.