LorinSookool brings cutting-edge contemporary dance to Artscape Theatre in Cape Town
By CityLife Arts Writer
Prepare to be mesmerised by the innovative work of one of South Africa’s most exciting contemporary artists, LorinSookool, who will present a double bill of her groundbreaking dance works WozaWenties! and 3 MensePhakathi at the Artscape Theatre from 6 – 8 February 2025. Following a remarkable showing at the 2024 National Arts Festival and a solo performance at the prestigious Liverpool Biennial, Sookool’s return to the stage promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
A recipient of the 2023 Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA) for Dance, LorinSookool’s interdisciplinary practice fuses performance, sound, photography, film, and costuming to create powerful, evocative works that explore the nuances of identity, power, and culture. With her unique approach that blends choreography with improvisation, Sookool’s performances are not just watched; they are experienced—vibrant, ever-changing, and deeply personal.
As a champion of the arts for over 40 years, Standard Bank supports artists who are at a pivotal point in their careers and poised for growth, with the objective of fostering creative expression that sparks societal change. BongaSebesho, Standard Bank’s Group Head of Sponsorship, notes: “Through initiatives such as the Standard Bank Young Artist Award, we have long been committed to growing South Africa’s artistic landscape. LorinSookool’s work exemplifies the kind of bold, thought-provoking art that can drive cultural conversations forward, and we are proud to stand behind her as she shares her vision with audiences at the Artscape Theatre.”
In WozaWenties!Sookool explores the intricate layers of African and coloured identity, confronting themes of colonial erasure, spirituality, and selfhood. The piece is deeply personal, drawing from Sookool’s own experiences to interrogate wider societal constructs. Through a fusion of improvisation and set choreography, her movement creates a powerful and intimate conversation on identity politics, weaving together a vivid landscape of visual and emotional narratives that resonate deeply with both the mind and body.
In 3 MensePhakathi, Sookool expands her exploration of socio-political themes, tackling subtle and more obscure forms of colonial violence, and the ever-present shadows of power dynamics. The work invites the audience into a visceral, collective experience that sparks a much-needed conversation on the legacies of trauma and the ongoing search for healing. By intertwining personal history with collective memory, Sookool’s performance beckons us to reflect on our own place within these narratives.
Sookool’s work is not just a performance—it is a call to action. As an artist, she views dance as a medium that transcends the stage, urging both artist and audience to engage in a dynamic, evolving process. “I believe that dance-making is about fostering autonomy and participation,” she says. “It’s about creating space where rules are constantly questioned, and where both artists and audiences can challenge what they know, what they’ve been taught, and what they are willing to accept.”
LorinSookool’s performances at Artscape are not to be missed—whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to contemporary dance, these works promise to provide a fresh perspective, inspiring you to think, feel, and engage with the world in new ways.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Sookool’s performances are now available via Webtickets here. Standard Bank cardholders can enjoy a discount of up to 20%* (limited to two tickets per person) on ticket purchases when using a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card. *Terms and conditions apply.