Dance: Artscape celebrates 30 years of Democracy and diversity with SboNdaba Dance, May 2024

Artscape is celebrating Africa Month (May) and 30 years of democracy in South Africa with its collaboration with SboNdaba Dance. The show is ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite and is on for only three performances: May 24 and 25, 2024, directed and choreographed by Sbonakaliso Ndaba. In addition to SboNdaba dancers, the production features Marlin Zoutman (New World Dance Theatre), Andile Vellum, Mpotseng Shupping, Yaseen Manuel (Unmute Dance Theatre), Keenun Wales, Nathaniel Jacob, Ockert Prince (Rebirth Dance Company), Monwabisi Bence and Lewellyn Afrika (independent dancers). The iconic Vicky Sampson (Afrikan Dream) and African indigenous musicians – Thabisa Dinga, Zinziswa Nogavu and Lutho Mzongwana- will be in this epic production. Read on for more. Info as supplied:

Artscape celebrates 30 years of Democracy and diversity with SboNdaba Dance’s

! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite, 

May 24 @ 19h00 and May 25 @15h00 and 19h00

It is with great pleasure that Artscape announces its collaboration with the event, ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite, the South African motto, central to the theme of a production which celebrates Africa Month and 30 years of Democracy. 

The production reflects on how far we have come as a nation and encourages South Africans to see the incredible depth of our diversity, and the power we can give to a vision, if we harness our individual strengths and work together with a common purpose. It will also shine a light on what is still to be done to ensure the vision remains solid and the values, as represented on the shield, continue to be upheld. 

With a powerful joint vision, this new production is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Sbonakaliso Ndaba. The cast of highly acclaimed dancers include SboNdaba dancers together with guest dancers from other arts organisations –  Marlin Zoutman from New World Dance Theatre,  Andile Vellum, Mpotseng Shupping, Yaseen Manuel from Unmute Dance Theatre, Keenun Wales, Nathaniel Jacob, Ockert Prince from Rebirth Dance Company and independent dancers – Monwabisi Bence and Lewellyn Afrika. 

Joining them is Vicky Sampson, the magical voice behind Afrikan Dream, the song that inspired a nation, and African indigenous musicians – Thabisa Dinga, Zinziswa Nogavu and Lutho Mzongwana.

Ndaba says: “There is a reason why we are different. This production will enhance the power of our diversity through Songs, African Contemporary Dance and Storytelling, with the backing of local musicians and the beautiful sounds of indigenous instruments. As South African artists we must unite, take pride in our uniqueness, inspire one another and believe in the magic of our dreams.” 

Says Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape: “Development of different voices and the celebration of diversity are two key elements of Artscape’s vision. This production reflects all that is triumphant in this field. Giving a platform and a voice to parts of our 30-year Democracy history that hitherto have been dormant is vital to continue to grow who we are as South Africans and Africans. This is the kind of production that does precisely that.”

Furthermore the production highlights that racism, tribalism, xenophobia and corruption are the result of competing for power and riches. Instead of competing, the production points out the benefits of working together to harness the resources available in our country.

Pronunciation of the name of the event,”! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite” will draw people’s attention to the rich colourful language of the first inhabitants of the area, at a time when the language is fading from use. During the process of creation, the creative group will reflect on the symbols and values of the South African Coat of Arms, symbols that were chosen to represent all South Africans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Cd49diP5o – It’s Time for us all to learn to pronounce our motto correctly – ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite

Dates and times: Please note there are THREE Performances ONLY

Friday May 24 at 19:00 and Saturday May 25 at 15:00 and 19:00

Tickets are available from Webtickets at R150 each with concessions for seniors, students, children at R75 each and block bookings of ten or more at R50 each.

See Artscape’s website for more. Call Artscape’s dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695 or use the Webtickets website www.webtickets.co.za. Tickets are also available at Pick ‘n Pay stores.

! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite is sponsored by the Department of Sport Arts and Culture as part of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme, celebrating 30 years of Democracy.

About the choreographer

Sbonakaliso Ndaba was born and bred in Kwa Mashu Durban KZN. She has been in the industry for more than 30 years, choreographing for over 20 years, nationally and internationally.  In February 2022, Sbonakaliso Ndaba co-founded and became the Artistic Director of the newly formed SboNdaba Dance. Ndaba is recognised as one of the leading African Contemporary Dance choreographers.

About SboNdaba Dance

SboNdaba Dance …empowering performing artists… unmistakably South African in origin… universal in appeal!

SboNdaba Dance is a registered non-profit company focusing on creating employment by building both professional capacity and professional platforms for the under-developed performing arts industry in South Africa, and, more specifically, creating opportunities for the under-resourced performing artists of the townships.

This professional company focuses on growth in the industry by creating employment for artists on many diverse platforms:  theatre and festival performances, outdoor performances in parks, on streets in community hubs and on beaches, commercial work, conferences, film and video, international collaborations, community workshops and outreach teaching. We take dance to the people where they are!

The award- winning choreographer, Sbonakaliso Ndaba leads the vision as Artistic Director. She is joined by highly skilled and experienced arts educators and administrators, Jennifer van Papendorp as Managing Director and Paula Kelly as Operations Director.

Reviews from SboNdaba Dance’s recent production of “Our Mother the Earth” choreographed by Sbonakaliso Ndaba: 

“Ten men defying gravity in what was the most remarkably crafted choreographic creation of dance we’ve seen in Cape Town in yonks.” Brian van Rheede. 21.03.2024.

“This highly charged piece of dance theatre has been magnificently choreographed by Sbonakaliso Ndaba” Robyn Cohen of The Cape Robyn 20.03.2024. https://thecaperobyn.co.za/review-our-mother-the-earth-where-will-our-children-play-by-sbondaba-dance-is-an-exceptional-piece-of-dance-theatre/

❇ Featured image: SboNdaba Dance is presenting ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite at Artscape, Cape Town, May 24 and 25, 2024 (three performances). Pic supplied. Sponsored content.