Gregory Maqoma's Genesis: a groundbreaking dance opera premiering at The Baxter Theatre
The cast of Genesis running for a limited season at the Baxter.
Image: Arthur Dlamini
Internationally revered South African choreographer, Gregory Maqoma, is set to dazzle audiences once again with the world premiere of his latest production, Genesis, a groundbreaking dance opera that fuses the realms of dance, music, and poetry.
Running for a limited season from 18 to 21 February 2026, the much-anticipated premiere will feature five performances only, including evening shows at 7:30pm and a Saturday matinee at 3pm.
This latest production comes on the heels of Maqoma’s critically acclaimed works presented at The Baxter, notably Exit/Exist in 2023, which won the prestigious Fleur du Cap Encore Award, and Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero in 2024. With Genesis, Maqoma continues his quest to push the boundaries of contemporary dance, inviting audiences to engage in a poetic and visceral exploration of creation, transformation, and the infinite cycle of existence.
“Returning to the Baxter Theatre with this production is profoundly meaningful because it is made possible through their commission and belief in this work,” Maqoma said.
“The Baxter has long been more than a venue in my journey; it has been a partner in my becoming as a dancer and choreographer. Their support allows me to confront time itself in Genesis: its violence, its grace and its invitation to begin again. I am deeply grateful to return home to a stage that continues to invest in imagination, courage and new futures and to share this brand-new work with Cape Town audiences.”
At the very heart of Genesis is an internationally acclaimed creative team, composed of gifted musicians, writers, and designers. Audience members will be enveloped in a rich live musical landscape featuring the talents of Mthwakazi Chosi, Annalyzer, Yogin Sulaphin, and Xolilisle Bongwana, all under the musical direction and additional composition of Nhlanhla Mahangu. The poetry, delivered by the powerful Anelisa Phewa, adds emotional depth and nuance to the narrative, while the libretto by celebrated writer Karthika Nair anchors the story in lyrical beauty and imagination.
The production also boasts stunning costumes designed by Jacques van der Watt of Black Coffee Fashion, with lighting designed by Oliver Hauser and set design by Willy Cesar. Maqoma’s collaboration with his long-time partner, Shannel Winlock-Pailman, has led to an expanded expressive range for the Vuyani Dance Theatre ensemble, demanding exceptional physicality and performance excellence.
Maqoma, who founded the Vuyani Dance Theatre in 1999 and directs Gregory Maqoma Industries, is internationally recognised for his collaborative vision and has staged world-class productions that have toured more than 100 cities across five continents. His impressive accolades include the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government in 2017, the World Dance Day Author title in 2020, and multiple awards in 2024 alone, such as the Fleur du Cap Encore Award and the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture’s Creative and Cultural Award for Outstanding Dance Production.
Audiences are invited to witness the genesis of a new era in performance art with Genesis: The Beginning and End of Time at The Baxter Theatre. This strictly limited season promises to expose the visionary genius of Maqoma live on stage. Following its world premiere in Cape Town, the production will transfer to the Joburg Theatre from 19 to 22 March 2026.
Booking is now open through Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block bookings, fundraisers, and charities, interested parties can contact Carmen Kearns at 021 680 3993 or via email at [email protected].