About ''The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet''

The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet, commissioned by The South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) is a visual masterpiece, with stunning costumes and jewellery by David Tlale - whose striking creations have been showcased at Fashion Weeks in Paris, New York and Cape Town - and set design by the renowned, award winning creative, Andrew Botha. 

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Mzansi Ballet comprises both South African and international dancers. With innovative choreography by the talented Angela Revie with input by Mdu Nhlapo, this dynamic work is awonderful fusion of classical and afro-ballet, and contemporary dance enhanced by poetic narration in parts. The stirring score combines the work of agroup of prolific artists and includes three compositions by the double GRAMMY Award-winning flautist, producer and composer Wouter Kellerman and other dedicated music compositions by musical arranger and director Mark Cheyne and co-composers SJ Khosa, Dr Cara Stacey, Matthijs van Dijk and Indigenous Music specialist Mpho Molikeng. 

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The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet narrates a powerful storyline, connecting the mythical world, ancient civilization and modern society, highlighting a 1,000-year-old lost civilization and a 100-year-old archaeological discovery entangled with colonial politics.

The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet is such an important work that highlights the importance of reclaiming the story of the gold rhino both historically and culturally in  South Africa and Africa. Aubrey Sekhabi, Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, noted succinctly that the staging of the Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet harnesses the historical, cultural and economic sectors that converge to boldly articulate SA’s pan-African philosophy. This project also profiles the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy which is to reposition the cultural industries in South Africa and pedestal South Africa as the home of diversity in the arts, contributing to economic growth and job creation.