Gregory Maqoma 

Vuyani Dance Theatre 

Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro

Saturday September 21, 2024 at 8 pm

Royce Hall

“Exhilarating . . . the irrepressible vitality of the performers offers hope; an artistic prayer for collective betterment.” —New York Times

Gregory Maqoma, one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists, is thrilling critics worldwide with his powerful new music and dance work, Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro. Inspired by the writings of South African novelist Zakes Mda and Maurice Ravel’s legendary composition, the award-winning theatrical experience weaves a narrative of greed, power, and communal mourning. 

Set in a graveyard, the hauntingly complex and percussive performance follows a designated mourner navigating the tensions of post-Apartheid South Africa. Featuring the transformative singing of an African gospel quartet and a rousing live score based on Isicathamiya harmonies, the production is described by Maqoma as “celebratory of our human experience” and a ritual to free the souls of those taken from the continent through slavery so they may “find peace.”

Art In Action

Pop-up library, live DJ, post-show discussion and more!

The Royce Hall West Lobby will open at 6:30 pm with our pop-up library featuring South African writers and artists. Grab a beverage, browse the library, or watch the sunset on the terrace with our live DJ.

After the show, the artists will engage in a short discussion, followed by a dance party on the terrace to the joyous beat of Afro-fusion.