PASAJE

PASAJE
CHOREOGRAPHER JOSEPH KANYENJE
PAMOJA DANCE GROUP.
This work is inspired by the migration of mostly Africans to Europe. Now known as “the refugee crisis” in Europe, the increasing number of migrants (outside Syria and the larger Middle-East) can be traced to Africa. Whether fleeing from conflict and war, persecution, or the economic ‘search for greener pastures’ in Europe, these migrants are deemed to face numerous challenges whether in transit or upon arrival. These challenges include, but are indeed not limited to, death and injuries at sea, susceptibility to human trafficking, rigid immigration laws and officials, as well as discriminatory practices and cultures in host countries.
In Pasaje we focus on why these immigrants/asylum seekers/refugees leave as well as the journey itself. Through flashbacks, interpreters (an integral part of the working process) will show some of the reasons and rationale for Africans who set boat for Europe. In the end, however, the audience does not get to see if these people arrive at their desired destinations or not. Our focus here is the emotion behind the decision to make a journey without knowing if one will reach or not.