By Sitha Maliwa:
After conquering some of the world’s most prestigious dance stages, internationally celebrated choreographer Mamela Nyamza is coming home – and she is doing so with a powerful artistic statement.
Fresh from winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale Danza and being named a finalist for the Salavisa European Dance Award, the Gugulethu-born dance icon will celebrate her long-awaited homecoming with two extraordinary premieres at the Baxter Theatre Centre this April and May.
For Nyamza, this moment is more than a performance season – it is a return to the roots that shaped her.
From the vibrant streets of Gugulethu to the world’s most prestigious stages, Nyamza’s journey has been defined by courage, artistic rebellion and an unwavering commitment to telling African stories through movement. Now, after receiving global acclaim, she is bringing that triumph back to South Africa – where her journey first began.
A double premiere for the ages
Cape Town audiences will witness two landmark works from the internationally acclaimed choreographer.
The highly anticipated “Hatched Ensemble” will make its Cape Town premiere on 29 and 30 April 2026 at 20:00. The production arrives in South Africa after a successful run in Paris, where tickets sold out weeks in advance – a clear sign of the intense global demand for Nyamza’s work.
Following that, Nyamza will unveil the world premiere of “The Herd/Less” on 1 May 2026 at 20:00 and 2 May 2026 at 14:00 at the Baxter Theatre Centre.
The production will debut in Cape Town before heading to its European premiere at the Venice Biennale Danza, placing local audiences among the first in the world to experience the work.
A full circle moment
Nyamza’s return is deeply symbolic.
The celebrated artist first discovered her love for dance at Zama Dance School in Gugulethu, where her raw talent was nurtured and encouraged. Decades later, that same young girl who once danced in township studios now stands among the most influential voices in contemporary dance globally.
Speaking about her return, Nyamza describes the performances as a heartfelt tribute to South Africa.
“These performances at The Baxter are my heartfelt homecoming and my way of saying thank you to my South African supporters,” she said.
“Dance is joy. Dance is heritage. Dance is the future we are building together.”
She also used the moment to call on mainstream theatres to continue opening their doors wider for artists whose work fuses creativity with activism.
Lighting the path for the next generation
Nyamza’s homecoming is not only about celebrating success – it is also about inspiring young artists.
Before the opening night, she will host a free open rehearsal session for learners and students from local schools and institutions, giving young creatives a rare opportunity to witness her creative process up close.
In addition, her “HATCH THE FUTURE” pop-up activation programme will take dance workshops directly into schools in Gugulethu, Nyanga and Khayelitsha, as well as at the University of Cape Town.
The initiative will also scout young dancers for scholarships through her organisation, Mamela’s Artistic Movement NPC, helping nurture the next generation of performers.
Participants will receive a “Silver Lion Passport”, granting discounted access to the performances and priority opportunities within Nyamza’s mentorship initiatives.
A global voice of dance
Nyamza’s impact on contemporary dance continues to resonate across the world.
According to Wayne McGregor, Artistic Director of the La Biennale di Venezia, Nyamza is an artist whose work has “caused a seismic shift in our understanding of dance.”
Her performances blend classical technique with African storytelling, challenging conventions while celebrating the rhythms, landscapes and ancestral traditions that shape her identity.
A celebration of legacy
The Cape Town performances also mark the beginning of Nyamza’s 50th birthday jubilee celebrations later in 2026, a milestone year dedicated to mentorship, cultural impact and artistic legacy.
For South African audiences, the message is simple: this is history in motion.
After selling out in Paris and captivating international audiences, Nyamza is calling on South Africans to show the same pride and support when the curtain rises at the Baxter Theatre Centre.
“This is our moment,” she says.
“Let’s celebrate together.” Tickets are available via Webtickets – @NewsSA_Online
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