The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet presented by Mzansi Ballet opens at the Baxter Theatre stage in Cape Town from 7 to 17 February 2024 after a successful première at The South African State Theatre in Pretoria last year.
The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet, commissioned by The South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC), is a visual masterpiece with costumes by David Tlale and a set by the well known designer, Andrew Botha.
Celebrating a precolonial South Africa and Africa, the story follows a young Jerry van Grean as he and two friends discover a historically significant gold rhino. Upon discovery the spirit of a princess from Mapungubwe appears to him, and leads him down a road of discovery to an ancient civilization at the peak of its success.
Connecting worlds
Mzansi Ballet comprises both South African and international dancers. With innovative choreography by Angela Revie and input by Mdu Nhlapo, this dynamic work is a wonderful fusion of classical and afro-ballet and contemporary dance, enhanced by poetic narration in parts. The score combines the work of a group of prolific artists and includes three compositions by the double Grammy-award-winning flautist, producer and composer Wouter Kellerman and other dedicated music by musical arranger and director Mark Cheyne and co-composers SJ Khosa, Dr Cara Stacey, Matthijs van Dijk as well as indigenous music specialist Mpho Molikeng.
The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet has a powerful storyline that connects the mythical world with an ancient African civilisation and modern society, highlighting a 1,000-year-old lost civilisation and a 100-year-old archaeological discovery entangled with colonial politics.
What: The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet
Where and when: Baxter Theatre from 7 to 17 February 2024
Tickets: Webtickets
Pictures: Hendrik Grobbelaar
WS
