UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA), is thrilled to present Desert Poems, an evocative solo dance production by world-renowned dancer and choreographer Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe. These exclusive performances will take place on 11 and 12 April 2025 at the Keorapetse William Kgosietsile Theatre, located at the UJ Arts Centre in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
Desert Poems features original pieces choreographed by Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe, with additional music by Dizu Plaatjiis’ Ibuyanmo Ensemble.
Desert Poems encapsulates the austere allure and enigmatic tranquility of an environment characterised by extremes. These evocative pieces eloquently depict the scorching sun, the biting wind, the expansive emptiness, and the remarkable tenacity of life. Each movement vividly evokes the hues of the sand, the contours of the dunes and the profound silence of the nocturnal sky. These poems resonate with themes of resilience, adaptation, and the indomitable spirit of survival amidst formidable challenges. Through evocative imagery and contemplative movement language, Desert Poems transports audiences to a realm that is both harsh and breathtakingly beautiful.
“As I create more solo dance works, I increasingly find myself exploring uncharted territory. I believe a guiding force has led me to this point, preceding Desert Poems and other solo pieces, which uniquely connect nature, spirituality and a certain degree of uncertainty,” says Mantsoe of the work.
“I am thrilled to return home and deeply grateful to the University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture for their invaluable partnership in hosting this world premiere. A special thank you to Wesley Maherry for his exceptional lighting design. I am also profoundly thankful to my family in France and South Africa for their unwavering encouragement and love, as well as to my close friends for their silent yet powerful support. Finally, I acknowledge the unseen forces that guide my spiritual journey—without them, this work would not have been possible,” stated Mantsoe.
UJ Arts & Culture is invested in supporting and rebuilding the Johannesburg dance community, re-energising audiences, and celebrating the world-class dance that the city has always produced. “Active engagement and audience building is essential for the dance and theatre sector to flourish in South Africa. This city has long been a hub for world-class dance, and it is important to celebrate and nurture that legacy,” says Pieter Jacobs Head of UJ Arts & Culture
“We are very excited to welcome Vincent to our stage, especially at a significant moment in time as we mark UJ’s 20th anniversary. Creating access for South Africans to experience new and innovative work is central to our mission at UJ Arts & Culture,” he continued.
Join us for the Desert Poems performance on 11 and 12 April at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre as we celebrate and reignite the spirit of dance and creativity.
Tickets are available at: https://tinyurl.com/VMatUJ
For more information, contact Lakin Morgan-Baatjies at lakinmb@uj.ac.za.