Gregory Maqoma’s GENESIS: The Beginning and End of Time is an exploration into the cyclical nature of history, the complexities of human existence, and the eternal struggle for liberation. It draws inspiration from the convictions and ideas of Aimé Césaire, Frantz Fanon and Steve Biko, from the poetic resistance of Nina Simone. Maqoma builds his narrative from rhythms and melodies steeped in the vivacity and virtuosity of South Africa but also decanted in the sharp and sobering truth of our times, of the wars and heavy, persistent legacy of slavery and colonialism.
Through a fusion of movement, text and music, GENESIS interrogates how and why history repeats itself, how the shadow of the past threatens to engulf the future, and how we can find strength in that same past to reclaim agency from new avatars of imperial power. Accompanying him in first outlining, then plotting and shaping this narrative, and merging the worlds of history and myth and literature will be poet and fabulist Karthika Naïr, movement-analyst Shanell Winlock-Pailman, the musicians of Ukhoikhoi, and the dancers of Vuyani Dance Theatre.

The creative team of Genesis includes Set Designer Willy Cessa, Lighting Designer Oliver Hauser and Music Director Nhlanhla Mahlangu.