Mahasahy Afido, a Malagasy choreographer, recently presented his solo piece "Mue" at the Institut Français de Madagascar (IFM) as part of the third edition of the Temps Fort Danse festival. This 30-minute performance showcased Afido's unique style, which blends bone breaking, a physical language that originated in Brooklyn's flexing culture, with contemporary and experimental dance. The piece left the audience in awe, with some spectators covering their eyes while others applauded.
Afido's performance is characterized by spectacular contortions and movements that defy conventional anatomy. His arm-twisting, wrist bending, and shoulder rolls created a succession of rotations, hyperextensions, and deformations that were both captivating and unsettling. The show was not just about visual effects, but also conveyed a story of self-discovery and transformation. Afido's inspiration for "Mue" came from the idea of a snake shedding its skin, symbolizing the journey of young artists seeking their place in the world.
The piece explores themes of doubt, fear, and the need for reinvention. Afido's own experiences as a breakdancer and his journey into bone breaking and contemporary dance informed the performance. He began his dance career with breakdancing in 2015, joining One Set Crew under the mentorship of B-Boy Andry. However, in 2021, Afido felt the need to explore new styles, leading him to bone breaking and eventually, a more experimental approach to dance.
Afido's collaboration with the Katrakala company further developed his unique style, which was met with critical acclaim during a performance in La Réunion in 2024. His goal is now to share his knowledge and skills with others, aspiring to become a pillar of bone breaking in Madagascar and to train the next generation of dancers. To achieve this, Afido plans to offer workshops and masterclasses, enabling him to pass on his expertise.
The performance of "Mue" was a significant milestone in Afido's career, marking his transition from a solo performer to a choreographer with a clear artistic vision. The show was the culmination of two weeks of intensive work, followed by further refinement during subsequent performances. Afido's achievement demonstrates the growth of contemporary dance in Madagascar and the emergence of new talents in the country's vibrant arts scene.
Afido's work reflects the diversity of Malagasy artistic expression, which continues to evolve and innovate. His performance has inspired a new wave of interest in bone breaking and experimental dance, encouraging other artists to push the boundaries of physical expression. As the Malagasy dance scene continues to flourish, Afido's contribution will undoubtedly be recognized as a significant factor in its development.
The success of "Mue" underscores the importance of supporting and promoting local artistic talent. The Temps Fort Danse festival provided a platform for Afido to showcase his work, highlighting the value of such initiatives in nurturing creativity and innovation. As Afido looks to the future, his commitment to sharing his knowledge and skills will ensure that his art continues to inspire and influence generations of dancers to come.
Key points
- Mahasahy Afido's solo performance "Mue" redefines physical expression through bone breaking.
- The piece explores themes of self-discovery and transformation, drawing inspiration from the idea of a snake shedding its skin.
- Afido aims to share his knowledge and skills with others, aspiring to become a pillar of bone breaking in Madagascar.
