Vuyani Dance Theatre — Cion: Requiem of Ravel's Boléro

Experience South African star Gregory Maqoma’s choreographic genius in Austin for the first time. His company Vuyani Dance Theatre performs an innovative, visually stunning full-length work that brings literature to life, drawing inspiration from the character Toloki in South African author Zakes Mda’s novel Cion, and music from French composer Maurice Ravel’s Boléro. It’s a universal story encompassing the past and the present that champions our ability to band together to share the burden of grief. Set in a graveyard with the persistent cries of people in mourning and the a cappella music of Isicathamiya singers in the background, the performance vividly elicits emotions associated with the loss of life. Ultimately, Maqoma has created a powerful requiem that seeks to stand against the darkness of death and bring audiences hope for humanity.

Presented in association with Austin Opera as part of Opera ATX(link is external).

Media Sponsor: Austin PBS

Campus and community engagement for Vuyani Dance Theatre: Embracing Global Perspectives Through the Arts is generously provided by the Texas Global Internationalization Event Fund.