Dada Masilio’s Hamlet headed to the Market Theatre
By CityLife Arts Writer
Many still remember her as one of the dancers who not did master contemporary dance, but in the process popularised in the township for many a would-be young dancer who wanted to be like her.
But more than dancing, she was also a choreographer who created a number of dance arrangements that became critically acclaimed during her relatively short life time. None of those dance pieces is Dada Masilo’s Hamlet, which is set To ignite the Market Theatre Stage.
The Market Theatre in association with Dada Masilo/The Dance Factory presents, Dada Masilo’s Hamlet for a limited season on Saturday, 16 May at 19h00 and Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 15h00 prior to an international tour.
Masilo’s works have been performed in 30 countries and 176 cities around the world, and she received numerous accolades and awards. Her immense popularity stemmed from her ability to take inspiration from literature and ballet while making performances accessible to all. Despite tempting offers, she chose to base herself in Johannesburg, because it has an edge, which flavoured her creations.
In her Hamlet, there are fewer words and more dance with music composed by Thuthuka Sibisi, Ann Masina, Leroy Mapholo and Mpho Mothiba. This new version is led by Llewellyn Mnguni, choreographer and long-time colleague, who also plays the role of Hamlet’s mother.
The rehearsal room is electric, with a fresh and hybrid company reflecting Masilo’s original intent.
Joburg Ballet and Moving Into Dance have generously seconded dancers to the season: Tumelo Lekana, Thando Mgobhozi and David Maluleka from Joburg Ballet; Lesego Dihemo, Wesley Hlongwane, Lucracia Magoro and Nandi Zulu from Moving Into Dance.
They are joined by newcomer, December Skhosana and original cast members Thuso Lobeko and Lehlohonolo Madise (as Ophelia). Aphiwe Dike continues in the role of Actor Hamlet.
Dada Masilo’s Hamlet premiered at the Burgtheater, Vienna in 2024 as part of the ImPulsTanz International Festival, before touring to Kampnagel, Hamburg and deSingel, Antwerp.
About Dada Masilo
Dada Masilo was born and brought up in Soweto. After formal training at The Dance Factory (from the age of 11) and The National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, she studied at Jazzart Dance Theatre (Cape Town) and for two years at the the Performing Arts Research and Training Studios in Brussels. Returning to South Africa she was awarded the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance. Three commissions from the National Arts Festival resulted in Romeo and Juliet (2008), Carmen (2009) and Swan Lake (2010). Her Giselle premiered in 2017 followed by The Sacrifice, inspired by The Rite of Spring in 2022. Masilo was Artist-in-Residence at The
Dance Factory. Awards include a nomination for a Bessie (Swan Lake) in 2016, Danza&Danza Award for ‘Best Performance in 2017’ (Giselle) and a Prince Claus ‘Next Generation’ Award in 2018; UK Critic’s Circle 2020 National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Modern Performance in the title role as Giselle; 2024 the Positano Leonide Massine Lifetime Achievement Award for Contemporary Choreography, October 2024.
Safe and secure underground parking is available at the Newtown Junction.
This season is co-produced by Sadler’s Wells, London and tickets are available at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1593214217.