by Gerrit Bester
Cross faculty collaboration between two diverse Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) faculties culminated in an innovative production that will debut at this year’s National Arts Festival (NAF) in June. The latter is aptly themed Shaping Together.
Profs Eric Monacelli (UVSQ) and Coralee McLaren (Toronto Metropolitan University) dancing in Volting during a show in Tokyo, Japan hosted by Prof Yasuhisa Hirata from the Tohoku University.
Following a fruitful engagement between the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), under the leadership of Prof Anish Kurien, located within the TUT Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, and the Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts and Design, Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of the Department of Performing Arts, conceived the idea and concept for the production, entitled UNLiMiTED.
She subsequently successfully applied to the NAF to perform it. The latter is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
This piece, which incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI), one of F'SATI's focus areas, is directed by Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, with choreography by Bryan Mtsweni, a parttime lecturer, and lighting design by lecturer, Wandile Mgcodo.
The piece with its high-end technological approach with robotics and elements of AI will further be complimented by a novel designed dancing wheelchair, called Volting, from the inventor Prof Eric Monacelli with the Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), France.
In the enchanting realm of rhythm and movement, where dreams are born in the delicate balance of pirouettes and leaps, a multi-disciplinary masterpiece will take to the NAF stage.
"UNLiMiTED pulsates with the vibrant heartbeat of South African flair, human-in-the-loop robotic technology and artificial intelligence, telling a story of resilience, innovation and the pursuit of artistic dreams," says Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni.
"It focuses on a dancer whose aspirations are abruptly shattered by an unforeseen injury. But in the face of adversity, UNLiMiTED introduces a technological marvel that defies limitations and fuels the undying spirit of creativity," she adds.
Such collaborations are not foreign to F’SATI, a graduate school jointly developed by France and South Africa and launched early in 1994. This followed a visit by former President Nelson Mandela to France arranged by the Chamber of Commerce and industry of Paris (CCIP) to develop a training institute in electronics in South Africa. Due to FSATI’s longstanding relationship with the French Embassy in South Africa, this year’s collaborative international and national project widely receives support from the Embassy in various areas.
In 2023, a joint effort between TUT, the Central University of Technology (CUT), the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Japanese and Canadian universities was launched to promote inclusive assistive technology.
Prof Nico Steyn of F'SATI is actively involved in the current NAF collaborative project and was also involved in the 2023 Yes We Dance leg in Japan, which was supported by Tohoku University. The showcased dancing wheelchair, Volting, that subsequently saw the light, received acclaim at the Chiba Rehabilitation Centre and a prestigious event that was held in Tokyo, highlighting its innovative approach in enabling differently abled individuals to experience dance and sport freely. Volting will further be showcased at various events during this year’s Paralympic Games in France.
“The latter aims to revolutionise assistive devices for differently abled persons. This project focuses on developing a new wheelchair solution that enhances mobility, physical activity and emotional experiences through body control tailored to each person's ability,” says Prof Steyn.
"TUT's anticipated participation in NAF, Africa's largest arts festival, will not only showcase the innovative blend of technology and artistry, but also provide significant exposure for TUT, UVSQ and other collaborators. In addition, the presence of delegates from Laval University, Quebec, Canada, specialising in assistive technology and human movement, will enrich the event with diverse expertise and perspectives, promising a truly memorable and impactful experience for all involved,” Prof Steyn adds.
For more information about the National Arts Festival, please click on Home 2024 - National Arts Festival
The Department of Performing Arts together with F’SATI will stage UNLiMiTED
at the forthcoming National Arts Festival.