(Pic by Val Adamson)
HISTORY IS A HOME
ADDRESS
A choreo-poem
inspired by the poetry of Mongane Wally Serote
(For Grade 8–12
learners)
In 2026, Flatfoot
Dance Company invites schools across KZN to host Flatfoot Dance Company as they
offer a powerful and moving touring dance-theatre experience that brings
poetry, history, and embodied learning into the classroom. History Is A Home Address is a newly created choreo-poem inspired
by the writings of renowned South African poet, cultural activist, and public
intellectual Dr Mongane Wally Serote.
Loosely inspired by the title of one of Serote’s most recent poetry collections, History Is A Home Address responds to his enduring invitation to reflect on memory, belonging, and the political histories that shape who we are. The dance work asks a vital question for today’s learners: do the words of an anti-apartheid poet still resonate in contemporary South Africa - and how do young people carry history in their bodies today?
Created collaboratively by choreographer Lliane Loots and the six dancers of Flatfoot Dance Company (Jabu Siphika, Sifiso Khumalo, Zinhle Nzama, Siseko Duba, Sbonga Ndlovu and Ndumiso Dube), the choreo-poem draws on Serote’s iconic early anti-apartheid poems alongside his later writing. Through movement, spoken word, and evocative physical theatre, the dancers explore personal and collective histories, asking what we remember, what we forget, and what continues to live on in our bodies and hearts.
High school audiences are immersed in a rich theatrical experience that weaves poetry, dance, and storytelling into a “spoken-word dance choreopoem”. Celebrated poems such as City Johannesburg and No Baby Must Weep are re-imagined through contemporary African dance, offering learners an embodied encounter with South African literary and political history. The performance honours Serote’s profound contribution to South African culture while making his words accessible and relevant to a new generation.
More than a performance, History Is A Home Address creates space for dialogue and reflection. Each school presentation includes a facilitated post-performance discussion with the dancers and choreographer, allowing learners to engage critically with the themes of history, identity, protest, and belonging. An extended package also offers a practical dance workshop, encouraging learners to respond physically and creatively to the ideas explored in the work.
Flatfoot Dance Company is KwaZulu-Natal’s iconic African contemporary dance company, with a national and international reputation for excellence. With numerous awards and international tours, Flatfoot promises to bring world-class contemporary African dance directly into school spaces—making live performance, critical thinking, and embodied learning accessible to young people.
The tour takes place from February 10 to April 30, 2026, on weekdays (with negotiated options on Saturdays). There are two options available for schools: a one-hour performance and discussion at R35 per learner, and a two-hour package which includes, the performance, discussion and an hour’s workshop at R50 per learner.
Flatfoot will work with schools to accommodate preferred dates and times, subject to availability. Contact lootsl@ukzn.ac.za for any further queries and for bookings.
This creation of this programme is funded by PESP, the National Arts Council of South Africa, and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.
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