Theatre lovers are invited to an evocative programme of contemporary dance works exploring personal, political, and ancestral journeys across Africa and beyond.
Running at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 10 to 13 September, the third annual JOMBA! is presented in partnership with the Centre for Creative Arts.
This year’s festival features four bold choreographic voices, curated by Lliane Loots. Among them is KANYAR epilogue, a haunting solo by Didier Boutiana (Réunion), which continues his introspective search for self and spirit in a shifting world.
SboNdaba Dance (Cape Town), led by Legacy Artist Sbonakaliso Ndaba, presents In SEARCH OF OUR HUMANITY – a stirring piece interrogating South Africa’s historical and spiritual evolution through movement.
Standard Bank Young Artist for 2025 Asanda Ruda explores Afro-contemporary forms in KEMET – BLACK LANDS, a solo rooted in ancestral memory and self-emancipation, and ALKAMAL WALKAMAL ALMUTLAQ, a trio meditating on healing, spirit, and love.
Flatfoot Dance Company (Durban) completes the line-up with BODIES OF WATER, a lyrical reflection on climate justice and survival, using the metaphor of water to explore personal and political embodiment.
Together, these works invite audiences into a powerful intersection of movement, storytelling, ritual, identity, ecology, and resilience.
JOMBA! and the Market Theatre will also host a series of free workshops with guest artists:
- 9 September, 4pm–5.30pm: Didier Boutiana (Réunion) leads a workshop blending hip-hop, yoga, and contemporary dance to help participants explore their own groove and self-expression.
- 11 September, 4pm–5.30pm: Sbonakaliso Ndaba (Cape Town) offers a full-body class in her unique technical training methods.
- 13 September, 10am–11.30am: Asanda Ruda facilitates a free-flow contemporary dance session infused with African cultural dance and hip-hop.
- 13 September, 4pm–5.30pm: Sifiso Khumalo and Flatfoot Dance Company present a grounding contemporary dance class exploring their distinctive “African Release” style.
“These workshops are free of charge, but booking is essential as places are limited. They are open only to dancers aged 16 and above,” said the Market Theatre.
To book, email 2024jomba@gmail.com at least one day before the workshop. No booking, no participation. For more details, visit www.markettheatre.co.za
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