Jazzart Dance Theatre’s Four Frames of Freedom is a Powerful Tribute to 30 Years of Democracy

Jazzart Dance Theatre is leading our November theatre calendar with Four Frames of Freedom, a powerful mixed-bill dance performance showcasing themes of unity, resilience, and self-discovery.

This captivating two-hour production runs on 15 and 16 November and brings together four distinct pieces by renowned choreographers, each exploring freedom through movement while honouring 30 years of South Africa’s democracy through dance. We break down all you need to know:

Choreographers respond to the rich diversity and enduring spirit of South Africa

Four Frames of Freedom continues Jazzart’s legacy of socially impactful, visually stunning performances that capture the spirit of South African culture and resilience.

The programme highlights three celebrated works that have been showcased in Durban, Johannesburg, Rwanda, and Pakistan, along with a brand-new piece dedicated to South Africa’s youth. Headlining the evening are works by Jazzart’s Head of Training, Sifiso Kweyama, the dynamic duo MANACAN (Ciara Baldwin & Nathan Bartman), and choreographer Lihle Mfene, each bringing a unique voice to the performance. Below are the featured works on the programme.

I Am African – Choreographed by Sifiso Kweyama, this piece celebrates the rich diversity of South Africa’s people, emphasizing interconnectedness, cultural unity, and a vision of hope
Ziyawa – A new creation by Kweyama, is performed by Jazzart and Baba Yaya trainees and expresses the essence of Cape Town’s vibrant culture and invites audiences to revel in the city’s joyful spirit
Dark Flock – London-based MANACAN presents Dark Flock, an exploration of resilience inspired by the crow’s tenacity. This work reflects on themes of overcoming societal prejudices, reminding audiences that true identity defies external judgment
Battlefield – Choreographed by Lihle Mfene, this piece is a thought-provoking piece about breaking free from societal constraints and embracing authenticity. It challenges viewers to connect with their true selves in a world that often prescribes who we should be

More about Jazzart, South Africa’s leading independent dance company

Audiences describe Jazzart Dance Theatre’s shows as ‘world-class productions with pulsating energy, breathtaking choreography, and a soundtrack that resonates deeply.’

51-year-old Jazzart Dance Theatre is acknowledged as one of South Africa’s leading contemporary dance theatre companies that has, and continues, to exert a powerful influence on the development of dance in South Africa.

The Jazzart methodology ensures that strong technique is matched with a uniquely South African dance philosophy that is rooted in the diversity of the culture and traditions of our country. Its prodigious creative and critical output allows it to use dance as a transformative tool and to fully interrogate social awareness and cultural inclusiveness.

Jazzart is based at The Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town and conducts its fulltime training programme and dance company in Cape Town while running its outreach and production touring ventures throughout the province, across the country and internationally.