Dance theatre news: Our Mother the Earth – Where will our children play? SboNdaba Dance, premiere, Cape Town, March 2024

Exciting news is that SboNdaba Dance, is premiering its new dance theatre production, Our Mother the Earth – Where will our children play? at Artscape, Cape Town, March 21 and 22, 2024. There are four performances in this season, which dovetails with Human’s Rights Day in South Africa (March 21). In this work of dance theatre, Sbonakaliso Ndaba- the artistic director of SboNdaba Dance – and the director/choreographer of Our Mother the Earth- grapples with climate crisis, land, personhood and the urgent call for us to unite– beyond activism – and to treasure our earth.  Our Mother, the Earth follows on from the company’s acclaimed, Our Oceans Our Future, which was staged last March (2023) by SboNdaba Dance at Artscape. I loved this powerful work – which wove together lyricism and fun into an evocative piece on the ocean. I look forward to seeing Our Mother the Earth – Where will our children Play? Read on for more. Info as supplied:

Our Mother the Earth – Where will our children play?

A mass extinction of most living things is unfolding around us, fueled by climate change. If we continue to ignore all the warning signs, the planet will survive but not humankind. We have the skills and the resources to save ourselves, to turn around the rapid trashing of the natural world and the ecosystems life depends on. We have known for decades what to do to arrest the emissions that are burning our planet, how to prevent the pollution in our seas and rivers, how to save biodiversity and our species.

But if we’re going to make a stand, we’d better start today!

We at SboNdaba Dance believe there is an urgency and importance to respond to the effects of the climate crisis by drawing attention through the performing arts.  This major new work will be directed by Sbonakaliso Ndaba building on her previous, highly successful engagement with the global issue of “Our Oceans, Our Future”.

Through dance, song, the spoken word, music, digital designs and videos, the company will take the audience through future possibilities.

We are alive at the most decisive time in the history of humanity. Together, we can do the seemingly impossible. But it has to be us, and it has to be now!

Where: Artscape

When:  Wednesday March  20 @11h00 & 18h00 and Thursday March 21 @ 14h00 & 18h00 (Human Rights Day)

Ticket prices: General Admission R120

Seniors Students & Youth: R60

School bookings, community groups: R30 (min 10 in group)

Bookings: Webtickets or Artscape Dial a Seat on 021 421-7695

Time: 55 minutes long

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 focussing 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.

✳ Featured image: Clayton Jannike of SboNdaba Dance is performing in Our Mother, The Earth – Where will our children play, which will be staged in Cape Town at Artscape. The dates are March 21 and 22, 2024 (four performances). This photo was taken in Van Riebeeck Park. Oranjezicht/Vredehoek, Cape Town. This heritage public park is open to all – with majestic views of Table Mountain and the city. Sponsored content.