SPARTACUS OF AFRICA to Play Return Season at Oude Libertas

A SPARTACUS OF AFRICA, featuring the original music of Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, will be presented for a limited season at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre this November. The South African National Dance Trust is thrilled to bring this romantic and dynamic two-act ballet to Stellenbosch. Renowned choreographer Veronica Paeper re-designed the original ballet that she created for CAPAB Ballet in 1984, in which she incorporates contemporary dance and classical ballet, for the premiere season of this production last year. This production was made possible by a grant from the National Lotteries Commission.

Spartacus, the Thracian gladiator who escaped in 73 BC to lead a major slave uprising against the Roman Empire, has inspired revolutionaries, politicians and writers throughout history. The fact that he was defeated in no way detracts from his courage and that of his fellow slaves, in pitting themselves against mighty Roman legionaries led by the General, Crassus. It is a tale that, finding favour with the communist regime, saw Leonid Yokobson choreograph a three-act production for Kirov Ballet in 1956. In 1968, Yuri Grigorovich choreographed his version for Bolshoi Ballet. Both accounts use Khachaturian's superb score.

A SPARTACUS IN AFRICA mirrors the original ballet about slaves fighting for freedom, Spartacus's deep love for his wife Phrygia, and Aegina's guile in helping her lover, Crassus, to quell the revolt. The tale makes ideal material for both an exciting ballet and a moving love story, calling for a technically strong cast that is able to act.

Casey Swales and Elzanne Crause reprise the roles of Amari and Fayola, which they danced in the world premiere season of A SPARTACUS OF AFRICA in 2015. Also dancing these roles (Amari and Fayola) will be Cuban ballet stars Juan Carlos Osma and Dayana Acuna, who are currently members of Joburg Ballet. The role of Nadira will be danced by Kristin Wilson and Elzanne Crause, with Nagash, Amari's nemesis, being danced by Xola Willie and Milwhynne Williams. Lwanele Masiza takes the part of Badu. Alfonzo Freemantle dances the role of Isenyaya, the African Spirit. South Africa's most exciting and talented dancers from all around the country make up the cast of twenty, further perpetuating South African National Dance Trust's collaborative approach.

It has long been Paeper's ambition to reproduce this ballet - arguably her finest. Drawn to the similarity between Rome's treatment of their captives and the many downtrodden peoples in Africa, Paeper has given the ballet a mythical African slant,

Innovative set designs that capture the spirit of Africa were created by KMH Architects, whilst ingenious costumes by the late Dicky Longhurst, an award-winning designer, allow the athleticism of the dancers to be vividly dramatised. A key element of the South African National Dance Trust's strategy is to include local communities in as many aspects of the production as possible and to mentor up-and-coming talent. Part of the set was constructed by a group of Masiphumulelo women, who plaited thousands of recycled green plastic bags into vines. Another project involved City Varsity students filming an educational documentary about bringing a ballet of this magnitude to the stage. The eight-minute DVD illustrates the diverse disciplines involved and forms an inspiring introduction for previously disadvantaged learners who will attend final dress rehearsals at theatres where the show is performed.

The season of A SPARTACUS OF AFRICA at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch runs from 22 - 26 November at 20:15, with tickets ranging in price from R200-R220. Group and special discounts are available. All bookings can be made through Computicket or 08619158000.

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