Photo essay: Africa in motion

To celebrate Africa Month, The Market theatre in Johannesburg presented a contemporary dance double bill called Legaga/Mnquma, which unpacked the dynamics of African identity through South African eyes.

Mnquma, choreographed by Xolisile Bongwana and David April, and Legaga, choreographed by Teresa Phuti Mojela, crafted a beautiful and spiritually profound dialogue with one another.

In Mnquma, Bongwana explored his personal totems to find a connection to his roots and his ancestry, while April unpacked his own roots within Tswana dance forms.

COMING UNDONE Dancer Dipuo Banda expresses her pain and anger in Legaga

The piece makes it clear that it is only by knowing the past and the depth of our cultural riches and rituals that Africans can shape the future.

Legaga is described as an exploration of memory, dreams and nightmares told through movement, song and text.

Xolisile Bongwana

Inspired by Mojela’s personal journey as a performer and an African woman, Legaga took the audience on a journey from childhood to adulthood – rites of passage, hardships, joys, fears, rejections and tragedies.

Photographer Rosetta Msimango photographed this memorable production.

JOURNEY INTO THE PAST Xolisile Bongwana performs in Mnquma, which he choreographed alongside David April

TANGLED Kaldi Makutike and Banda in Legaga

COLD COMFORT Dancer Kaldi Makutike is abandoned at the end of Legaga

GAMES WE PLAY Dipuo Banda is abandoned and must amuse herself

SHROUDED Dancer Dipuo Banda in Legaga

ANGER Makutike tries to comfort Banda