Joburg Ballet has scheduled five events for the company’s studios at the Joburg Theatre on the weekend of 19 and 20 June, offering audiences and company supporters the opportunity to see Joburg Ballet in action in the period between this year’s first and second main ballet seasons.
Three of the five events have been designated as Rea Leboha – ‘we thank you’ in Sesotho – with Joburg Ballet donating 50% of the box office income to Vanessa Nicolau Theatre and Events (VNTE) as a gesture of support to the men and women who work with VNTE and who have been heavily impacted by the downturn in the SA theatre and eventing industry by Covid-19.
Commenting on the Rea Leboha performances, Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald says, ‘Vanessa Nicolau’s company has worked with Joburg Ballet since the ballet company’s inception, providing technical support and stage management to ensure literally hundreds of Joburg Ballet performances have reached the stage safely and professionally over the past twenty years. 50% of the takings from the Rea Leboha performances will go to the men and women of VNTE who are employed on a per contract basis and 50% to help fund Joburg Ballet’s second main season for 2021, Evolve, at the Joburg Theatre in July.’
In response, Vanessa Nicolau of VNTE says, ‘I would like to thank Joburg Ballet for the glorious gesture that will be highly treasured by all who work at VNTE. Joburg Ballet has always had a superior place in the heart and soul of VNTE, and this was especially the case for our longest-serving stage technician, Simon Motena, who had worked on every ballet season since 2000 but who very sadly passed away earlier this year. His widow and colleagues will greatly benefit from this magnificent gesture, especially during these most trying times in the performing arts.’
The Rea Leboha performances take place in the Joburg Ballet Studios on Saturday 19 June at 11:00 and 13:00 and Sunday 20 June at 14:00. The performance duration is approximately 45 minutes and will feature rarely performed gems showcasing the company in several pieces unique to the Joburg Ballet repertoire.
On Saturday 19 June at 15:00 the Joburg Ballet School, Joburg Ballet Academy, and some of the younger dancers of Joburg Ballet will join forces for a performance to mark Youth Month.
On Sunday 20 June from 10:00 to 13:00 Joburg Ballet will host another of the company’s popular Open Days where the public will have the opportunity to watch the dancers in rehearsal for Evolve, Joburg Ballet’s second main season of 2021 scheduled for the Joburg Theatre from 1 to 4 July.
Joburg Ballet’s June studio events
Saturday 19 June at 11:00: Rea Leboha performance 1
Saturday 19 June at 13:00: Rea Leboha performance 2
Saturday 19 June at 15:00: Youth Month performance
Sunday 20 June at 10:00-13:00: Open Day for Evolve (second main season)
Sunday 20 June at 14:00: Rea Leboha performance 3
Venue: Joburg Ballet Studios, Joburg Theatre, 26 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
All tickets: R150
Booking remotely (preferred)
Via Edgar Moagi on 011-877 6898 or edgar@joburgballet.com
Payment method: Online via EFT
Booking in person
At the door, depending on availability
Payment method: Cash (if possible, please have the exact amount)
