Artscape pays homage to dance icon Themba Mbuli

ARTSCAPE is hosting a series of events this festive season and, among them are selected dance performances in honour of the life and legacy of the dance legend, co-founder and associate director of Unmute Dance Company, Themba “Dredz” Mbuli.

The festival sees thrilling dance pieces Traces of Memory and Ngwedi, and an installation by Louise Westerhout celebrating Mbuli’s immense contribution to the industry.

Kicking things off on Wednesday, December 1, is the ArtsAbility Festival, dedicated to the memory of Mbuli.

The award-winning choreographer and dance teacher died in January after a short illness.

In Traces of Memory, dancers revisit some of the works created by Mbuli in his seven years with the company, through dance and display of imagery . Ngwedi is a dance tribute to Mbuli. Westerhout collaborated with Mbuli with a work that premiered at the Jomba! Festival in 2020. She will do installation work as a response to the initial work done by her and Mbuli.

Artscape is also hosting the inaugural Miss Wheelchair South Africa event on Thursday. Themed “Beauty without Barriers”, the prestigious event is challenging the norms, societal standards and rigid definitions of beauty.

The newly crowned Miss Wheelchair SA will represent South Africa at Miss Wheelchair World in Mexico in October 2022.

Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux said: “The building that houses Artscape is celebrating its 50th year. It opened as the Nico Malan on May 19, 1971 for whites only. As democracy dawned and the name changed to Artscape circa 1999, a transformation journey commenced to demystify the building as a home for all.

“This event succinctly ties into our ethos of promoting full inclusivity, including persons with disabilities. With the hosting of this event, we aim to change the image of women with disabilities, break barriers and show that being in a wheelchair is not a limitation.”

Meanwhile, theatre lovers have until Saturday, December 4, to enjoy the Yukio Mishima’s critically acclaimed masterpiece The Lady Aoi.

For tickets prices and more information on the Artscape latest offerings, visit: Artscape.co.za