Moving Into Dance (MID) will present Rites and Rituals, a season that re-mounts two landmark contemporary dance works by Sylvia Glasser and Esther Nasser.

Glasser’s “Stone Cast Ritual”, first performed by MID in 1994, and Nasser’s “Rite of Spring”, which premiered in 1993 with PACT Dance Company, return to the stage as powerful examples of South Africa’s contemporary dance heritage.

The June season brings a new generation of MID dancers into direct dialogue with this legacy. In rehearsal, MID Artistic Director Sunnyboy Mandla Motau works alongside former company members Muzi Shili and Thandi Hlaka, who bring first-hand performance history and choreographic insight from years of performing “Stone Cast Ritual”.

In “Stone Cast Ritual”, Glasser draws on memory, spirituality and ancestry through a ritual meditation on communal healing, foregrounding resilience and transformation. Glasser said:

“I am thrilled that Esther and I will be sharing a stage with this programme. It is an incredible opportunity for the dancers to have this collaborative experience.”

Set to Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”, Nasser’s choreography confronts gender-based violence (GBV) on a global scale, recognising the daily sacrifice of women and the persistence of factionalism. The work examines polarisation at every level, using communal tension and rhythmic drive to ask how far violence can take society.

Nasser said: “The MID dancers are warriors with an energy level from I don’t know where. No drama, no tension, just focus and encouragement. It’s been different and challenging for me being back on the studio floor, yet so uplifting. Also, working with Sylvia’s company in this space, I feel so aligned to the intersection of history we each bring to this season.”

The programme also includes “Quasar-The Energy”, choreographed by Laura Cameron for students from the National School of the Arts (NSA). The work is rooted in the idea that individual sparks can ignite collective energy and shared power. The NSA said:

“Building strong relationships with professional companies is incredibly important to us, as they provide great learning opportunities for our students and potentially valuable spaces where our alumni can continue to grow and thrive after graduation. We look forward to showcasing the talent and dedication of our dancers and celebrating this opportunity to perform with such talented and experienced professionals.”

Lighting design for all three works is by Wilhelm Disbergen.

Performance schedule:

Venue: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre

Friday, 19 June at 11:00 – FDR

Friday, 19 June at 19:00 – Opening

Saturday, 20 June at 14:00 & 19:00

Sunday, 21 June at 14:00

Tickets: R 75 – R 100

Bookings: Webtickets

For more information please contact: Moving into Dance on 073 357 8393

Additional programme information:

“Stone Cast Ritual”

Choreography: Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser

Rehearsal directors: Sunnyboy Mandla Motau & Muzi Shili Lighting Design: Wilhelm Disbergen

Costumes: Sarah Roberts

Music: Gabrielle Roth

Company: Moving Into Dance

Dancers: Lesego Dihemo, Afika Ziqubu, Sibusiso Gumede, Nandi Zulu, Lucracia Boledi, Wesly Hlongwane, Lwazi Mbatha.

“Rite of Spring”

Choreography: Esther Nasser in collaboration with Moving into Dance Rehearsal director: Sunnyboy Mandla Motau Lighting Design: Wilhelm Disbergen

Costumes: Cassandra Parsons

Music: Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” conducted by Lorin Maazel with the Cleveland Orchestra

Company: Moving Into Dance

Dancers: Lesego Dihemo, Afika Ziqubu, Sibusiso Gumede, Nandi Zulu, Lucracia Boledi, Wesly Hlongwane, Lwazi Mbatha, Shobani Mlaba, Bridget Molutsi, Nhlanhla Nkomo, Cresent Maseko, Simphiwe Mgadi, Ntokoza Malope, Nobuhle Swela.

Guest appearance: Thandi Hlaka

“Quasar-The Energy”

Choreography: Laura Cameron

Lighting Design: Wilhelm Disbergen

Costumes: Cassandra Parsons

Music: Quasar by Gridge

Company: National School of the Arts Dancers

Dancers: NSA Grade 10, 11 & 12 Dancers

Lindiwe Mlotshwa
lindiwem@sowetotheatre.com
063 170 3601
Joburg Theatre
http://www.joburgtheatre.com