South African dance legend Gregory Vuyani Maqoma takes a final bow on South African stages this weekend, telling the story of his ancestor who died a prisoner on Robben Island 150 years ago after losing his fight for the return of Xhosa land.
Maqoma’s critically acclaimed Exit/Exist, directed by James Ngcobo, runs for just three shows at The Baxter after successful seasons at the Market Theatre and the National Arts Festival.
In the month he celebrates his 50th birthday, this work reflects on the memory of Maqoma’s ancestor, Chief Jongumsobomvu Maqoma (born 1798), who died imprisoned in Robben Island in 1873. The renowned Xhosa leader was arrested after he ordered the British colonisers to liberate Xhosa land.
Maqoma embodies this forgotten history in a transformational and poignant performance that fuses storytelling with his own, unparalleled contemporary dance vocabulary and live music. Through his signature integration of traditional and contemporary dance, he invites audiences to reflect on the present and the past, and how they inform our personal and collective identities.
The solo performance will be accompanied by four exceptional vocalists – Tobela Mpela, Sizwe Nhlapo, Lubabalo Velebayi and Sipho Mhlanga – and world-fusion guitarist Giuliano Modarelli. The music was composed by Simphiwe Dana, with musical direction from Happy Motha.
“The return of Exit/Exist to the South African audience is not only befitting to the extraordinary journey I have taken so far, but marks 150 years since the passing of my ancestor, Chief Maqoma,” says Gregory Maqoma. “The issue of land that is emphasised in the work is a trail of human misery and degradation, loss and hope.”
This production of Exit/Exist at The Baxter from 5-7 October has been made possible by the support of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Booking through Webtickets, or at Pick n Pay stores.