Rites and Rituals honours legacy works by Glasser and Nasser

Moving Into Dance (MID) will present Rites and Rituals, a season that re-mounts two landmark contemporary dance works by Sylvia Glasser and Esther Nasser. Glasser’s “Stone Cast Ritual”, first performed by MID in 1994, and Nasser’s “Rite of Spring”, which premiered in 1993 with PACT Dance Company, return to the stage as powerful examples of South Africa’s contemporary dance heritage.

The June season brings a new generation of MID dancers into direct dialogue with this legacy. In rehearsal, MID Artistic Director Sunnyboy Mandla Motau works alongside former company members Muzi Shili and Thandi Hlaka, who bring first-hand performance history and choreographic insight from years of performing “Stone Cast Ritual”.

In “Stone Cast Ritual”, Glasser draws on memory, spirituality and ancestry through a ritual meditation on communal healing, foregrounding resilience and transformation. Glasser said:

“I am thrilled that Esther and I will be sharing a stage with this programme. It is an incredible opportunity for the dancers to have this collaborative experience.”

Set to Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”, Nasser’s choreography confronts gender-based violence (GBV) on a global scale, recognising the daily sacrifice of women and the persistence of factionalism. The work examines polarisation at every level, using communal tension and rhythmic drive to ask how far violence can take society.

Nasser said:

“The MID dancers are warriors with an energy level from I don’t know where. No drama, no tension, just focus and encouragement. It’s been different and challenging for me being back on the studio floor, yet so uplifting. Also, working with Sylvia’s company in this space, I feel so aligned to the intersection of history we each bring to this season.”

The programme also includes “Quasar-The Energy”, choreographed by Laura Cameron for students from the National School of the Arts (NSA). The work is rooted in the idea that individual sparks can ignite collective energy and shared power.

The NSA said:

“Building strong relationships with professional companies is incredibly important to us, as they provide great learning opportunities for our students and potentially valuable spaces where our alumni can continue to grow and thrive after graduation. We look forward to showcasing the talent and dedication of our dancers and celebrating this opportunity to perform with such talented and experienced professionals.”

Lighting design for all three works is by Wilhelm Disbergen.

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Show Information
Rites and Rituals

Venue:
Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre

Dates & Times:
19 – 21 June 2026
Friday at 19h00
Saturday at 14h00 & 19h00
Sunday at 14h00

Tickets:
From R75 – R100
available through Webtickets or at selected Pick n Pay outlets