DISTRICT SIX Dance Performance Will Honor Dr. Johaar Mosaval
The award-winning production, taking place at the Artscape Opera House from 2 to 4 March 2023, embodies the spirit of District Six and dance.
South African dance icon and living legend Dr Johaar Mosaval will be honoured by shining stars of the South African ballet and dance scene in Dreaming Dance in District Six: The Johaar Mosaval Story. The award-winning production, taking place at the Artscape Opera House from 2 to 4 March 2023, embodies the spirit of District Six and dance.
Presented by the District Six Museum in association with Artscape, Dreaming Dance in District Six not only celebrates Johaar Mosaval but also shines a spotlight on burgeoning South African talent, both emerging and established, who continue to draw much inspiration from Johaar's success story, even as decades separate their respective career journeys. A versatile company of 36 will perform show-stopping solos and group pieces in tribute to Johaar and his stellar career. Jazzart, Joburg Ballet, Figure of 8 Dance Collective, the Waterfront Theatre School and the Cape Junior Ballet (CJB) will all be part of this meaningful show that is narrated by Dr Mosaval himself.
In its first iteration, Dreaming Dance in District Six was conceptualised by former CAPAB ballet dancer Sharon Paulsen who won a kykNET Fiesta Award for it in 2018. This refreshed version of the show that once again unveils the fascinating story of Johaar's life through dance, music, narration and multimedia, is co-directed by Basil Appollis and choreographer Grant van Ster.
Pas de deux and solos include Joburg Ballet's Ruan Galdino (pictured) from Brazil with Chloé Blair dancing the famous Bluebird Pas De Deux from The Sleeping Beauty and The Neapolitan from Swan Lake. From Figure of 8 Collective, award-winning contemporary dancer Shaun Oelf (pictured) will dance the iconic Moor's Room solo from Petrouchka and Sebastian van der Berg (pictured) from Durbanville takes the role of the young Johaar. Choreographer Robin van Wyk has created a delightful excerpt from A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring the CJB dancers coached by Professor Elizabeth Triegaardt. The impish role of Puck, to be danced by Cleto van Rooi from Paarl, is one for which Johaar was famous, as he was with the Bluebird variation and many others. Another highlight will be a charming extract from Coppélia, featuring Cassiel Eatock from the Mowbray Ballet Academy as the Doll with former Cape Town City Ballet and PACT Ballet Senior Principal Johnny Bovang as the eccentric Dr. Coppélius.
As a student, Johaar was cast in the ballet Coppélia that tells of a wacky alchemist who believes he can bring a wooden doll to life by giving her a human heart. Interestingly, the world-famous Professor Christiaan Barnard, then a medical student, was in the audience with his mother. The storyline resonated, he was inspired, and many years later when Johaar returned to South Africa on a vacation, the distinguished heart surgeon reached out to Johaar and held a party for him in his honour. Dr Mosaval holds numerous prestigious awards for his achievements and contribution to the performing arts, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, which was presented to him by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. In 2021 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town.
According to Basil Appollis, Dreaming Dance in District Six merges powerful dance performances - classical, neo classical, jazz, contemporary and hip hop - with storytelling and visuals to bring Johaar Mosaval's story of perseverance, tenacity and hope to life while portraying an historic and hugely relevant story. In his day, Johaar Mosaval experienced the full might of the Apartheid State and was forced to pursue his dancing dreams in a foreign country, leaving his beloved District Six behind. "It is with great joy that we are able to celebrate our South African ballet icon who succeeded against all odds in taking his talent, extraordinary skills and passion to far-flung corners of the world," says Appollis.
Dr Mosaval, who turned 95 years old in January, grew up in District Six as the eldest of ten children. During the apartheid era he left South Africa to pursue his dance dream and went on to carve out an illustrious career as a Senior Principal dancer with London's Royal Ballet, between the 1950s and 1970s. It was during his tenure with the prestigious company that he performed before the late Queen Elizabeth at her 1953 coronation, a momentous occasion indeed. As one of South Africa's greatest living legends, he was also the first person of colour to dance at Artscape, known back then as the Nico Malan Theatre.
Tina Smith, Head of Exhibitions and Project Coordinator for the Johaar Mosaval Legacy Project at the District Six Museum, says, "The District Six Museum is indeed privileged to work closely with Dr Mosaval at his delicate age of 95. He possesses a mindful eloquence, a charismatic and engaging personality and is an invaluable asset to Cape Town's local cultural heritage. Having had an international and established artistic profile, we feel honoured to be able to share the scope and scale of Dr Mosaval's career and contributions through this production. His story is vital within South Africa's post-apartheid narrative and is vital to younger generations."
Dreaming Dance in District Six: The Johaar Mosaval Story takes place on 2,3 and 4 March at 7:30pm with one matinee on Saturday 4 March at 3pm. Tickets cost from R120 per person through Computicket and Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 0214217695. A 25% discount for group bookings, students and pensioners is only available when booking seats in person at the Artscape box office or at Computicket outlets, upon presentation of valid identification. The District Six Museum is grateful for support from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Old Mutual and Old Friends Young Talent (OFYT), among others.
More Hot Stories For You
Jann Klose Returns To South Africa With New Album, March 30-April 14March 14, 2023
Award-winning singer-songwriter Jann Klose returns to South Africa for his sixth tour, which runs from March 30 to April 14. The tour starts at Café Roux Noordhoek, Cape Town, and includes two performances at the Splashy Fen Festival, ending April 14 in Johannesburg, where Jann attended the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg.
Laerskool Noord Comes to The Drama Factory in AprilMarch 14, 2023
LAERSKOOL NOORD se leuse is KYK NOORD EN STOOT VOORT, maar in hierdie lekker lag produksie is dit alles behalwe die geval. Drie onderwyseresse beplan 'n verrassingsafskeidspartytjie vir hul skoolhoof se aftrede.
Roxette Live Tribute Band Comes to the Drama Factory This MonthMarch 14, 2023
Join the Joyride with the Live Roxette Tribute band at the Drama Factory on 31 March. Just listen to your heart...Heidi van der Merwe and her band will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with all Roxette’s greatest hits like “The Look, Listen to your Heart, It must have been love” and “Joyride”, to mention but a few.
BEFORE THE SECOND ADVENT Comes to The Drama Factory This MonthMarch 7, 2023
Before the Second Advent is a play in four acts (Conquest, War, Famine and Death) that tells the story of familial trauma, illness, and religious fervor.
'Elvis Burning Love Tribute' Comes to The Drama Factory This MonthMarch 7, 2023
Arguably one of the most famous singers of all time, Elvis emerged from humble country beginnings to become a rock & roll phenomenon whose influence was so huge it still resonates decades after his untimely death in 1977. His energized interpretations of songs and unique performance style led him to both great success and initial controversy.
