Think opulent outfits, designer jewellery, music written by Grammy awarded musicians and a storyline bringing life to our South African heritage and choreography that will move your soul.

A story rich in history, brought to life by the beauty of ballet, The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe, presented by Mzansi Ballet, tells a powerful story that bridges the mythical, ancient, and modern worlds, focusing on the ancient Mapungubwe civilisation and the significance of a 100-year-old archaeological discovery amidst the backdrop of colonial politics.

A collage of scenes from The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe. Image supplied

Dirk Badenhorst, director of Mzansi Ballet, shares that it is his dream for many South Africans to see this ballet and be proud of being South African. In conversation with Yolanda Maartens, he mentions the importance of South Africa’s solutions coming from within and how art and ballet play a role in bringing creative solutions to the table. 

A core mission of Mzansi Ballet is to nurture artistic expression, foster cultural appreciation, and engage communities through the art of dance.

Mzansi Ballet comprises both South African and international dancers. Photo: Facebook

Founded in 2017 by Dirk Badenhorst, Mzansi Ballet is a unique dance company that identifies and cultivates young South African talent. The company brings together these emerging artists with seasoned professionals to create performances that authentically convey South African stories while respecting classical ballet’s cultural and historical aspects. 

Notable productions by Mzansi Ballet include “Benghazi”, “When Ballet Meets Jazz”, “The Queen Show”, “The ABBA Show”, “The Christmas Show”, “Swan Lake”, “The Neil Diamond Show”, and “The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe”.

Mzansi Ballet will have a show at the Sand du Plessis Theatre on 27 and 28 February. Photo: Facebook

Speaking on The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe, Mzansi Ballet’s press release describes the ballet as a dynamic work with a wonderful fusion of classical and afro-ballet and contemporary dance enhanced by poetic narration in parts. 

The beautiful score combines the work of a group of prolific artists and includes three compositions by the double GRAMMY Award-winning flautist, producer and composer Wouter Kellerman alongside 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. 

The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe will be showing at the Sand du Plessis Theatre on the 27th and 28th of February. Tickets are available from Webtickets or at the PACOFS booking office on 051 447 7771.

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