30 October – 2 November
“Communion of Light honours South Africa’s recent milestone of 30 years of democracy, reflecting on our complex history while celebrating our present and imagining a future shaped by creativity and resilience. This landmark occasion celebrates the artistry of a ballet company from Africa and affirms the power of dance to connect cultures and communities across the world.”
Dane Hurst - Artistic Director Joburg BalletIn Resonance, Dane Hurst explores themes of diverse cultural connections and transformation, manifesting a vibrant vision of the future rooted in the lessons of the past. Taking inspiration from the energy and spirit cultivated in underground jazz clubs of historic South African melting-pot communities, the work celebrates the enduring power of music and dance to unite, heal and inspire.
For her only commission for Joburg Ballet, acclaimed South African choreographer Dada Masilo turned to Oscar Wilde’s Salomé, creating a work that revolves around power and the destructive nature of unbridled passion. Salomé was one of Masilo’s last creations before her sudden passing in 2024 at the age of 39.
Concerto for Charlie was created by Veronica Paeper in 1979 as part of a programme sponsored by the cosmetic house Revlon, with ‘Charlie’ in the title referring to the perfume of that name. It has no narrative and is purely a reflection in dance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No 2.
In Azul, Jorge Pérez Martínez has created a spirited piece distinguished by its expressive body language and pas de deux work. Danced to classical Spanish guitar compositions, Azul, the Spanish word for blue, has a fluid dance language reminiscent of flowing water.
The four ballets in Communion of Light will be preceded by a Prologue entitled Camagwini (“Kago-Entle”) choreographed and performed by Joburg Ballet coryphée Tumelo Lekana. With music by Peter Mpho Mothiba, it is a prayer in motion, an offering of gratitude to the ancestors for Kago-Entle, the beautiful creation of life, art and spirit. It is a sacred dialogue between the seen and unseen, where each movement becomes a whisper of thanks and reverence.
In addition to the four performances of Communion of Light at the Linbury Theatre, cast and creatives will introduce the ballets at an Insights evening in the Clore Studio at the Royal Opera House on Tuesday 28 October at 7.30pm.
Joburg Ballet gratefully acknowledges the support of the City of Joburg, South Africa’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture through its Mzansi Golden Economy programme, and extends heartfelt thanks to The Linbury Trust and The Royal Ballet and Opera.