Bunker of Zion by John Pfumojena

Music has been banned by the authorities. Dancing, singing and harmonies are forbidden....  

...but in the Bunker of Zion there is colour, joy and a celebration of culture and community

Bunker of Zion combines traditional Zimbabwean Mbira and Marimba instruments with a fusion of traditional gumboot and modern Zimbabwean breakdance.

Joining these phenomenal performers from Zimbabwe, Thanet-based dancer Jodie Cole leads a team of local performers including Kanndiss Riley (NBE fitness), Bill Parr (Kensei Taiko Drummers) and the Broadstairs-based Inspiration Creative adult dance group.

Expect joyful, bouncing rhythms and powerful songs as new stories are created from shared memories, handed down through generations. 

Immerse yourself in the Bunker of Zion - a safe space full of hopeful revolution.

The Artists:

Lead Artist - John Pfumojena

John is a Mbira and Marimba musician, actor and composer. His practice is concerned with exploring the ancient art of Mbira music for contemporary audiences, storytelling, and collaboration. He has composed a range of music for multi-award-winning plays including The Jungle at Good Chance Theatre, Doctor Faustus and Volpone for Tangle Theatre Company.

Associate Artist - Jodie Cole

Jodie is based in Westgate-on-Sea and is an inclusive dance theatre maker who creates joyful spaces for everyone to be part of. She is the Jerwood Creative Fellow with the UK's leading integrated circus company, ‘Extraordinary Bodies’, and is the founder of Margate Contemporary Dance. Jodie is especially interested in the raucous joy of movement, the potential for full-bodied expression, and inclusive practice. She is a master at loosening people’s inhibitions and loves bringing performance to unexpected places.

For this project, Jodie has chosen to collaborate with Broadstairs-based inclusive performance company Inspiration Creative CIC, local artists Bill Parr Kensei Taiko Drummers and Kandiss Riley NBE fitness to share personal stories and experiences - helping Jodie to create an intimate segment of spectacular collective performance which is unique to Thanet.

ACCESSIBILITY

Our venue is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you require a free ticket for your carer.