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Christine Skinner
Following the world premiere of its inaugural season SALT, dynamic ballet company Cape Ballet Africa comes to The Drama Factory.
Fresh from their highly successful inaugural season at The Baxter, Cape Ballet Africa will perform extracts from their acclaimed programme SALT at The Drama Factory from 8 to 17 November.
SALT features a triple bill of ballets by three acclaimed South African choreographers Kirsten Isenberg, multiple award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November and Michelle Reid.
Selected extracts from each of these captivating works will be presented as part of the programme at The Drama Factory.
Cape Ballet Africa is the dynamic new dance company established by Debbie Turner, that seeks to reimagine how ballet can look in Africa.
Press comments following the premiere included, ‘It is an absolute knockout….’ (calloffthesearch.com); ‘Salt was an evening to remember’ (Weekend Special) and, ‘an absolute must for anyone who loves dance’ (Theatre Scene Cape Town).
Kirsten Isenberg’s Reverie is a neoclassical work to Rachmaninov’s Concerto No 2 in C Minor. Reverie is a meditative and reflective study. Swathed in a palette of blush pink, it is delirious fanciful musings, in a dreamy state.
Olivier Award-winning Mthuthuzeli November’s Chapter Two is set to a purpose-commissioned score written by Peter Johnson. It is a modern percussive work that is perfectly reflected through the rhythmic body isolations and lightening quick movement vocabulary reminiscent of the precursor of his original Visceral. Chapter Two is a revisit, a place you have been to before, a musing on a previous time.
November’s reinterpretation of this score depicts the emergence and underpinning of his unique African classical choreographic voice.
Michelle Reid’s Smoke costumed in hot red is a metaphor for glowing heat and intense emotion. Reid is widely known for her quirky creative spirit, unique movement language and interpretive skill. A passion for pure jazz music, Reid has set Smoke to a soundtrack from a selection of the jazz repertoire, including Dave Brubeck’s Take Five.
“We are delighted to be bringing extracts of SALT to the wonderful and intimate setting of The Drama Factory,” says Debbie Turner, Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa. “These breathtaking pieces translate well across any stage and we can’t wait to introduce new audiences to our work.”
“We are proud to be the first venue to host this vibrant new dance company following their recent premiere of this work. Don’t miss the chance to experience the outstanding performances by these dancers, the calibre of which is out of this world!” says Sue Diepeveen, Owner of The Drama Factory.
Some of the comments about SALT included:
‘It is an absolute knockout….’ - calloffthesearch.com
‘Salt was an evening to remember’ - Weekend Special
‘an absolute must for anyone who loves dance’ - Theatre Scene Cape Town
‘a captivating programme that pushes boundaries while staying rooted in tradition, a hallmark of this new company's artistic identity… a powerful fusion of artistry, precision and cultural celebration.’ - Michelle B Lewis, Broadway World
‘a triple bill of ballets bursting with beauty, strength and vibrant expression…it’s incredible’ - Karisa Nicholls, Cape Town My Love
‘edgy and elegant… With something old and lots that's new, Salt is as refreshing as a cool drink on a hot summer's day.’ - Eugenie du Preez, News 24
‘SALT is a marvel of technical prowess…. Do not miss Cape Ballet Africa’s sublime SALT – beautiful – contemporary neo-classical ballet’’ - The Cape Robyn
‘The triple bill of ballets presented in SALT offers a diverse and intellectually stimulating exploration of choreographic artistry, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.’ - Shireen Fisher, The Platinum Brief
‘it’s beautiful…a feast for the eye’ - Nigel Vermaas, Bush Radio
EXTRACTS FROM SALT will be performed on
8, 9, 15 and 16 November at 7:30pm
9 and 16 November at 3pm
10 and 17 November at 4pm
Tickets cost R250.
Tickets for group bookings of four and more cost R225 per ticket.
Bookings can be made at:
Cape Ballet Africa is proud to be associated with Food Lover’s Market with their commitment to innovation and their values to….have faith, lead with love, be the miracle”.
Cape Ballet Africa is also grateful for the support of The Fine Fund, tda (Theatre Dance Association), BASA and CDIC.
Cape Ballet Africa celebrates cultural values imbued through dance, instilling the discipline of classical ballet while blending in the exciting heritage of South African culture. The Company identity strongly aligns with the global dance landscape while building a proudly African organisation.
Cape Ballet Africa seeks to reimagine how ballet can look in Africa, using the interplay of identity and culture, the diversity in all elements of the artform; the people and the repertory.
With its fully licensed bar and cosy, welcoming atmosphere, The Drama Factory is the perfect venue to enjoy top-quality entertainment with a group of friends or family. The solar-powered invertor ensures the show will always go on, even when there is load-shedding!
Make a staycation of a visit to The Drama Factory, booking in with one of their wonderful accommodation partners. Spend the night at The Views Guesthouse, 185 on Beach or Majorca House to enjoy the beauty and many other activities on offer in the surrounding Helderberg region. Visit the website for further details.
The Drama Factory is situated at 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand, Western Cape. Parking is available at the venue.