The countdown to the much-anticipated Gregory Maqoma’s fusion of dance and music CION: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero has officially begun.
The rehearsal and technical team are working tirelessly for the opening night on January 30 at The Mandela Joburg Theatre.
The production will take place from January 28 until February, with previews taking place on January 28 and 29.
The production is a unique creative fusion of contemporary African dance created and choreographed by the renowned Gregory Maqoma in collaboration with Nhlanhla Mahlangu who delivers a compelling musical arrangement that will take the audience on a musical journey.
The music is carried by the harmonies of Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.
Maqoma, the creative director of Vuyani Dance Theatre, draws inspiration from two artists – the character Toloki in South African author Zakes Mda’s novel Cion, and music from French composer Maurice Ravel’s Boléro.
Maqoma said when he created this production he was influenced by Toloki, a professional mourner in Zakes Mda’s books, Ways of Dying and Cion.
“I felt that in this time and age of our democracy we are still facing similar atrocities where women and children are becoming more vulnerable with all the senseless killings happening the world over.
“This propelled me to think about this character of a professional mourner and to think how we have been turned into professional mourners,” said Maqoma.
CION will be staged under strict Covid-19 protocols including social distancing, masks and frequent sanitising.
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