Siva staged at State Theatre

A stirring music and dance spectacle awaits audiences when Vuyani Dance Theatre stages Luyanda Sidiya’s acclaimed theatrical work, Siva, at the South African State Theatre.

Gregory Vuyani Maqoma started the non-profit organisation in Johannesburg 16 years ago in an attempt to create a playground for artistic development, as well as an outreach programme for aspiring arts majors and the youth.

Now the company will stage Siva, meaning Seven, until 14 May at the State Theatre.

Steeped with rich spiritual resonances, the production premiered at the 2015 National Arts Festival after Sidiya was named the 2015 Standard Bank Young Artist in the dance category. It has since played to standing ovations around the country and has even toured Beijing.

Sidiya, the choreographer and director of the production, served as the artistic director at Vuyani Dance Theatre until last year – a company that is celebrated across the world for its cutting-edge contemporary dance works which give powerful expression to the African idiom and experience.

“We have an extensive international profile and we get to travel a lot,” Maqoma said when commenting on their body of work.

During this season, Siva will be performed by Vuyani dancers Lulu Mlangeni, Otto Nhlapo, Phumlani Mndebele, Phumlani Nyanga, Nomasonto Radebe, Xolisile Bongwana, Julia Burnham, Roseline Keppler and Edwin Ramoba.

The dancers will be accompanied by a band of live musicians, under the musical direction of Xolisile Bongwana.

“Siva was inspired by the completeness we all seek and the void we experience as human beings,” Sidiya explained.

“The number seven is associated with perfection and wholeness, and is regarded as a holy or lucky number. But Siva is not blocked in a religious or traditional context. Rather, it’s grounded in social issues, enabling audiences to relate to it in various ways and enter into conversations with themselves.”

Details: www.vuyani.co.za; info@vuyani.co.za; www.statetheatre.co.za @VuyaniDanceCo