The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet is set to premiere at the South African State Theatre
Mzansi Ballet is proud to announce the of staging The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet in association with the South African State Theatre in Pretoria. The ballet is a multi-faceted celebration of history and heritage, commissioned by The South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC).
This World Première takes place on 26 April 2023 at the State Theatre in Pretoria. The production runs from 26 to 30 April 2023. Tickets are available from Webtickets.
The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet features captivating and innovative ballet and dance narration and choreography; dedicated music compositions and spectacular, rich, costume-, jewellery- and set designs. Created through a collaboration by leading South African and International artists that includes choreographer Angela Revie, Mpho Molikeng and Mdu Nhlapo; musical arranger, director and composer Mark Cheyne; co-composer and Indigenous Music specialist Mpho Molikeng together with other co-composers, SJ Khosa; Dr Cara Stacey and Matthijs van Dijk. It features three compositions by double Grammy-winning flautist, producer and composer Wouter
Kellerman.
Décor coordination and design is by Andrew Botha and costumes are designed by leading South African designer David Tlale. The Mzansi Ballet includes dancers from South Africa together with international dancers enlisted from Cuba, China and South Korea.
The powerful storyline expressed through this ballet, holds the connection of the mythical world, the ancient world and modern society thereby captivating audiences through the magic of stagecraft. It brings to the forefront a 1,000-year-old lost civilization and includes a 100-year-old archaeological discovery that clashed with colonial politics at the time.
Dirk Badenhorst, Idea Originator and Director of Mzansi Ballet says, “The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet is considered to form an important pillar in the effort to reclaim history – not just for South Africa but for the African and Asian Continents. Furthermore,
the popular rediscovery of our African heritage significantly shapes our peoples’ identity and our sense of pride – thus inspiring further entrepreneurship, innovation and growth across all aspects of society.”
According to Aubrey Sekhabi, Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, “The staging of the Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet is a cross-sectional harnessing of the historical, cultural and economic sectors, which converge to boldly articulate our pan-African philosophy. This project also profiles the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy – to reposition the cultural industries in South Africa and pedestal South Africa as the home of diversity in the arts, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
We believe that even as this is presented during the Kucheza Afrika Festival, our clarion call for Africa to unite in dance, will be heeded and our artists’ hope be restored.”
The staging of The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet is of strategic national and continental importance, capturing and instilling the ancient heritage identity of Africa. All through a unique blend of edutainment offerings and performing art genres, capturing
both national and global attention. This offers the perfect backdrop for students following the current South African Grade 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 History and Art school curriculum. The goal of Mzansi Ballet is to annually bring this story, through ballet, to schools across South Africa as inspiration for the country’s youth to understand and enjoy the richness of culture and history.
Distinguished thought leader, businessman, President of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), Dr Reuel Khoza, says, “A nation’s soul finds its best expression through its arts and poetry. Song and dance are arguably the most creative and entertaining. Couple this with the quintessential African history of Mapungubwe and the Ancient Kingdom’s most famous artefact, the Golden Rhino, the outcome is the Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet. Authentic, compelling, captivating, innovative, and scintillating beyond description. Not to be missed.”
Show Dates & Times
Wednesday, 26 April 2023 20h00
Thursday, 27 April 2023 15h00
Friday, 28 April 2023 20h00
Saturday, 29 April 2023 15h00 and 20h00
Sunday, 30 April 2023 15h00
Ticket prices range from R 150 to R250. Block bookings of ten or more receive a 10% discount.
