(Kitty Phetla in Somebody to Love - A dance celebration to the music of Queen. Photo: Susanne Holbaek)Acclaimed Gauteng-based dance company, Mzansi Productions, is making a rare trip to Durban bringing two remarkable productions: Somebody to Love: A Dance Celebration to the Music of Queen which runs at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, from June 15 to 18 and Divas of Music and Dance will takes place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from June 22 to 26.
Mzansi Productions is a Johannesburg-based dance company with a versatile performing style that ranges from the classical to the contemporary, making it unique among South African ballet and dance companies. “We strive to be a dance company that is relevant in South Africa in the truest sense of the word and which will address a wider market in South Africa and internationally,” explains Mzansi Productions’ Director, Dirk Badenhorst.
Mzansi maintains an active performance schedule with the company's own productions, promotional events and corporate entertainment. They also participate in skills exchange programmes with various international ballet and dance companies and schools.
First up is Somebody to Love: A Dance Celebration to the Music of Queen showcases the legendary music of Queen performed by singers in a sleek, seductive celebration of love featuring the applauded dancers of Mzansi Productions. The fascinating landscape of human relationships forms the central theme of this sophisticated production.
Acclaimed choreographers Debbie Rakusin (African Footprint) and Timothy Le Roux explore facets of relationships in an elegant and sophisticated show brimming with atmosphere, ambience and superlative entertainment with additional choreography by startling new talent, Mari-Louise Basson. Using a selection of 18 of Queen’s greatest songs, the choreographers have sculpted a two-part homage to love.
The songs have been especially arranged for this production by DuPreez Strauss. Classically trained at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, he has worked as artistic consultant, composer, music director, pianist, conductor and performer, accumulating production credits in stage and television productions in South Africa and abroad. The singers in this production are Kerry Hiles, Anne Marie Clulow and Shaun V.
The Makana Moon wrote: “Mzansi Productions has produced a dance musical which profoundly pleases the senses. Ballet pundits will relish the precision, poise, confidence, the supreme effort of practice which ironically produces dance that feels wild and unrestrained. This is serious art taking pop culture by storm!”
Somebody to Love runs in the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, from June 15 to 18. Booking is at Computicket.
Mzansi Productions receives funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
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