Robyn Orlin : We Wear Our Wheels With Pride
Robyn Orlin’s We Wear Our Wheels with Pride is a remarkable piece of performance art that leaves a lasting impression on its audience, offering a thought-provoking and deeply emotional exploration of identity, resilience, and societal perceptions. From the moment the performance begins, Orlin’s unique and unapologetic voice commands attention, drawing the audience into a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The concept behind We Wear Our Wheels with Pride is both simple and profound: it chronicles the lives of individuals navigating a world that often excludes or marginalises them. Orlin brings together dance, theatre, and spoken word to create a multi-dimensional experience that challenges perceptions and invites reflection on the nature of resilience and identity. This work is not just a celebration of human diversity but also a confrontation of the limitations placed on individuals by society, in particular the impact of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.
What stands out in We Wear Our Wheels with Pride is the unapologetic pride with which Orlin embraces the idea of difference, both as a symbol and an expression of identity. The performers are not defined by their challenges but by their strength, resilience, and autonomy. Orlin’s work challenges the audience to reconsider preconceived notions about a group of people, all while incorporating elements of humour, poignancy, and defiance.
The performers; Moving Into Dance Mophatong Dancers, exude a powerful sense of pride in their bodies and their identities. The stunning live vocal accompaniment and performance by Ukhoikhoi (accompanied by Yogin Sullaphen and Anelisa Stuurman) complements the dancers and elevates the show to a multi-disciplinary piece without detracting from the dancers. The encouragement for the audience to join in with certain refrains and movements felt like an invitation to participate and avoided any awkwardness, in fact these moments felt truly joyous.
The video throughout is masterfully executed by Eric Perroys, blending live feeds of the performers with captures of their costumes/headpieces, the use of filters and animation given the perfect light touch to complement rather than distract.
The beauty of Orlin’s direction is her ability to bring out the individuality of each performer while maintaining a collective sense of solidarity. Each movement, every gesture, feels meaningful, whether it’s a slow, deliberate motion or a burst of energetic movement that commands the stage. At times the performers resemble matadors preening, their chests pushed out, shoulders back.
Orlin’s use of music, sound, and spoken word further elevates the emotional depth of We Wear Our Wheels with Pride. The soundscape oscillates between raucous energy and quiet contemplation, mirroring the emotional highs and lows of the performance. The spoken word elements—sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant—intertwine with the dance, creating a seamless narrative that captures the complexities of navigating the world as an individual who is often overlooked. The script itself is witty and sharp, providing moments of levity amidst the more serious themes, creating a balance that makes the performance all the more impactful.
The thematic depth of Orlin’s work also cannot be overstated. We Wear Our Wheels with Pride delves into the intersection of identity and pride, questioning societal attitudes while offering a platform for voices that are often ignored. It is a powerful statement on the value of human life, regardless of cultural or societal limitations, and a bold assertion of the right to self-determination. Through humour, movement, and vulnerability, Orlin invites the audience to reconsider their assumptions and engage with the world from a perspective that is often overlooked.
In conclusion, Robyn Orlin’s We Wear Our Wheels with Pride is a truly engaging and inspiring piece of work that remains incredibly approachable.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd March 2025 at the Southbank Centre, London. For more information on Robyn Orlin please visit www.robynorlin.com
Review written by Mike Stocks
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Photo credit : Jérôme Séron
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