Gregory Maqoma’s iconic production Cion: Requeim of Ravel’s Bolero returns to the Market Theatre
By CityLife Arts Writer
This is definitely one of the productions that have demonstrated choreographer and dancer Gregory Maqoma as a creative genius, and the audience never tires of this production no matter how many times they have seen it. It is one production that has achieved classic status both in South Africa and around the world where it has toured to critical acclaim over the years. and the reasons are oblivious.
After rave reviews that Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero has enjoyed both locally and internationally in the last 7 years since the production premiered, it returns to the stage that saw its first breath, the John Kani at the Market Theatre for a short season from 31 October through to 3 November 2024. This season forms part of the Vuyani Dance Theatre’s twenty fifth anniversary programme that is supported by other pillars that will be announced as the year progresses.
Gregory Maqoma took inspiration from Zakes Mda’s mourner in his novels Ways of Dying and Cion, Toloki, bringing him to life on stage in Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero. Mda attained global renown with Ways of Dying (1995), his seminal first novel that featured the unforgettable character Toloki, a professional mourner at township funerals during South Africa’s transition to democracy.
In Cion, the follow-up to Ways of Dying, Mda revisits Toloki a decade later. Like the author himself, the character is now living in the United States, where Toloki uncovers the story of runaway slaves who were the ancestors of an impoverished Southern family.
The music in Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero is delivered in its original format with, delivered by an isicathamiya quartet and the percussive voices of the Vuyani dancers, under the musical direction of Nhlanhla Mahlangu. Maqoma and Mahlangu’s use of Ravel’s Bolero has served as a requiem to the departed souls while offering an opportunity to those who have witnessed this production and opportunity to find hope in humanity and heal from whatever emotional wounds they harbour.
Talking about the production during the premiere season at the Market Theatre in 2017 Greogy Magoma said: “The world has changed from what we imagined it to be, we are all victims clouded by fear. This work stands against that dark cloud and brings us light and hope that humanity still exists, even in our darkest times.
Death is a universal rite of passage, and the universe of greed, power and religion has led us to be professional mourners who transform the horror of death and the pain of mourning into a narrative without feeling for life.”
Our 25th anniversary is a remarkable achievement, and the success of “Cion” in sustaining so many livelihoods is a testament to the resilience and impact of Vuyani Dance Theatre. This season is not to be missed. Tickets are available on the Market Theatre website, any Pick n Pay outlet or Webtickets for R250 – https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1552627971.