Event: The GM50 Legacy Weekend

While parties are the convention of celebration, Gregory Maqoma will mark his 50th birthday by publishing two books and hosting a series of performances aptly titled The GM50 Legacy Weekend. 

Place: Joburg Theatre
Date: 14 – 15 October 2023.
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Supported by the French Institute of South Africa, the weekend comprises a special performance of Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro a children’s adaptation of Cion titled Cion Cothoza, as well as the launch of two books titled The Joy Dancer and My Life, My Dance, My Soul: The Story of Gregory Maqoma.

Produced by the Vuyani Dance Theatre Company, Cion unpacks the theme of grief by referencing Zakes Mda’s novel of the same title and music from French composer Maurice Ravel’s Boléro.

Titled The Joy Dancer, one of Maqoma’s two books is a children’s picture book written in collaboration with the celebrated author and poet Dr. Gcina Mhlophe. Available in six South African languages, the book tells the story of a boy who after falling in love with dance built a multi-award winning practice from it. Then, written by Lorato Tok, My Life, My Dance, My Soul: The Story of Gregory Maqoma details Maqoma’s relationship with movement and rhythm as a global tool of communication, expression and connection.