Lee van der Merwe is a multi-disciplinary creative- dance, stage and film. She is the local guest choreographer for Dance Intersect 2024 in the Baxter Pam Golding on June 6, 7, 8 (four performances). She was commissioned by Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) to create a new work: After Dark is set in a party/club setting and is a trio, featuring:Claudia House, Bethany McLachlan-Evans and Mukovhe (Mk) Monyai. Read on for more. Info as supplied:

After Dark, thrilling new dance theatre piece, choreographed by Lee van der Merwe for Dance Intersect 2024

When the lights are down, the sounds of a party or a club, frames the new dance theatre piece, After Dark, a trio, choreographed by South African multi-disciplinary dance and theatre creative, Lee van der Merwe for Dance Intersect 2024, at the Baxter next month.

Dance Intersect 2024 is in the Baxter Pam Golding in Cape Town, on June 6, 7, 8 (four performances, scroll down for details). After Dark is a new work, commissioned by Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) for Dance Intersect– a dance theatre platform which is an exciting intersection of approaches, genres and artistic practices.

As Local Guest Choreographer, Lee van der Merwe was invited to choreograph a new dance theatre piece for Dance Intersect. After an open call for auditions, three South African dancers were selected: Claudia House – (Bothasig), Bethany McLachlan-Evans (Vredehoek) and Mukovhe (Mk) Monyai – (Cape Town).

Lee is thrilled to present a new work on Dance Intersect and work with Anderson Carvalho and ACDC. This commission has enabled Lee van der Merwe to remunerate dancers for rehearsal and workshop time – in addition to the actual performances –and to develop her concept, design, costumes and music. With the underwhelming funding in the arts sector, this is not an occurrence we see often on the South Africa dance theatre stage – the opportunity to conceptualise a new piece on an independent platform – and take it from page to stage – without needing to scratch for funding and patronage. “I could not be more excited for this incredible opportunity. It is not often when a South African choreographer is given an opportunity like this with such creative freedom on home soil. To hire my own dancers, and to have the freedom to choose style, music, theme, costumes, within reason of course, to be performed on the iconic Baxter Theatre stage, is a very exciting (and daunting) choreographic opportunity. I am also extremely excited to be leading a workshop with the After Dark cast and the ACDC dancers later this month.”

About Lee van der Merwe

Lee van der Merwe (b. 1994) is a performer and creator who is equally at home performing a variety of disciplines as she is choreographing, directing and teaching.

Lee graduated from the Cape Academy of Performing Arts in 2016 with the “Top Student” award, earning the highest overall average of her class. She was a member of the Cape Dance Company from 2013 – 2017, performing in productions and tours, while creating her debut choreographic works for the company, Sun -The Rite of Passage and A Portrait of Us.  She introduced herself to the professional theatre world by writing, producing, and performing in the two-hander physical theatre play, Laced which premiered at the Alexander Bar theatre and went on to have a successful run at the National Arts Festival. She went on to perform in productions, and create works nationally and internationally in prestigious theatres and arts festivals and has worked on stage and in film. 

Combining her love and knowledge of dance and acting, she has worked as a dramaturge and was dance captain and Swing for the Fugard Theatre’s Kinky Boots.

Lee van der Merwe on Social Media

Website: leevdm30.wixsite.com/leevandermerwe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lee_van_der_merwe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzk50Offw6dYpJHgFZj4gVg
Commission: Multi-disciplinary South African creative Lee vand der Merwe is local guest choreographer for Dance Intersect 2024 – presented by Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) at the Baxter Pam Golding, June 6, 7, 8, 2024 (four perforamces). Pic supplied.

Programme and performance details for Dance Intersect 2024

Dance Intersect 2024 features: Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) with Silent Symphony of Feelings, Ballet de Barcelona from Spain, SboNdaba Dance (guest company, South Africa) and Lee van der Merwe (guest Choreographer, South Africa)

There are four performances: June 6 and 7 at 7.30pm. On June 8, there are two performances – at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Each performance features all the participating companies and dancers:  One ticket provides access to the entire programme. Each performance includes three intervals. Running time (with interval) is 80- 90 minutes.

Ticket prices – one ticket provides access to the entire programme

Tickets are R250-R350, Book through Webtickets  or visit the Baxter on https://baxter.uct.ac.za/

For school or group bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or email carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za or Nontsikelelo Maboza on 021 680 3984 or email nontsikelelo.maboza@uct.ac.za

Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) on Social Media

Website: www.andersoncarvalho.info
Instagram: @andrsoncarvalho
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andersoncarvalhodancechoreography/
Info: aancarvalhoarts@gmail.com  

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❇ Featured image: After Dark, choreographed by Lee van der Merwe for Dance Intersect 2024, the dancers are Claudia House, Mukovhe (Mk) Monyai, Bethany McLachlan-Evans. Photo by Elan van Biljon. Sponsored content. Images supplied.