Cion Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero will be staged at The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter in Cape Town for three performances only from 21 to 23 March, 2024, at 7.30pm. Vuyani Dance Theatre will perform the work, which is conceived and choreographed by Gregory Maqoma.
Cion draws inspiration from author Zakes Mda’s novel, Cion and Ravel’s Boléro. In Maqoma’s words it is, “a lament, a requiem required to awaken a part of us, the connection to the departed souls.” It’s a universal story encompassing the past and the present that champions our ability to band together to share the burden of grief.
Nhlanhla Mahlangu is the musical director and composer, costumes are by Black Coffee, with set design and technical direction by Oliver Hauser. Original lighting design is by Mannie Manim and sound design is by Ntuthuko Mbuyazi.
The production is set in a graveyard with the persistent cries of people in mourning and the a cappella music of isicathamiya sung by a quartet.
Maqoma’s message through this work is that we need to pause for a moment and urgently think about the pain inflicted on others by the actions of others.
The Creative Team
Conceiver, Choreographer: Gregory Maqoma
Musical Director and Composer: Nhlanhla Mahlangu
Costumes: Black Coffee
Set Design and Technical Director: Oliver Hauser
Original Lighting Design: Mannie Manim
Sound Designer: Ntuthuko Mbuyazi
What: Cion Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero
Where: Pam Golding Theatre Baxter, Cape Town
When: 21 to 23 March 2024, 7.30pm
Ticket prices: R180 – R200
Cion Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero tickets: Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores
WS
