WeeklySA_AdminADAPTATION: Poet Mantsoe traverses a spiritual, ancestral journey as he directs and dances
By Jacob Mawela
France-based and Soweto-born contemporary African dancer-choreographer Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe is due to perform at the University of Johannesburg’s Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre.
The appearance, at the Auckland Park campus, is scheduled for April 11 and 12. The world renown Mantsoe’s evocative solo dance production, Desert Poems, is due to collaborate with the university’s arts and culture, a division attached to the faculty of arts and architecture.
The solo dance production is to feature original pieces conceived by the dancer-choreographer, with additional music contributed by Dizu Plaatjies’ Ibuyanmo Ensemble.
The performance encapsulates “the austere allure and enigmatic tranquillity of an environment characterised by extremes” – with the evocative pieces eloquently depicting the scorching sun, the biting wind, the expansive emptiness, and the remarkable tenacity of life.
Each movement vividly evokes the shade of the sand, the contours of the dunes, and the profound silence of nocturnal sky. These poems resonate with themes of resilience, adaptation, and the indomitable spirit of survival in the midst of formidable challenges provided by life itself.
Through evocative imagery and contemplative movement language, Desert Poems transports audiences to a realm that is both harsh and breathtakingly beautiful.
“As I create more solo dance works, I increasingly find myself exploring uncharted territory. I believe a guiding force has led me to this point, which uniquely connects with nature, spirituality and to some degree, uncertainty,” says Mantsoe of the work.
“I am thrilled to return home and deeply grateful to the University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture for their invaluable partnership in hosting this world premiere.
“A special thanks to Wesley Maherry for his exceptional lighting design. I am profoundly thankful to my family in France and South Africa for their unwavering encouragement and love, as well as to my close friends for their support.
“I acknowledge the unseen forces that guide my spiritual journey — without which this work would not have been possible.”
The host venue, is committed to supporting and rebuilding the Johannesburg dance community, and to re-energise audiences, and celebrating the world-class dance that the city has always produced, says Mantsoe. “Active engagement and audience building is essential for the dance and theatre sector to flourish in South Africa.
Head of the UJ Arts and Culture Pieter Jacobs said the city had been a hub for world-class dance, and insisted that it was important to celebrate and nurture that legacy.
“We are excited to welcome Vincent to our stage, especially at this significant moment at the time when we mark UJ’s 20th anniversary.
“Creating access for South Africans to experience new and innovative work is central to our mission at the university,” said Jacobs.
About Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe. He was born in Soweto in 1971, and has turned out to be a grounded contemporary African dancer-choreographer.
A master teacher, his work is influenced by the Pedi, Southern Sotho, Ndebele, and Xhosa cultures and idioms.
From 1997-2001, he was the associate artistic director and resident choreographer with the Moving into Dance Company.
He lives in France where he founded his Association Noa Company in 2005.
Mantsoe has performed at numerous high profile international festivals and taught at universities and has created a large repertoire of solo and group works which have toured extensively around the world.
Tickets are available at Quicket.co.za
