Jazzart Dance Theatre and Steve Biko Foundation Present BIKO'S QUEST in Cape Town, Sept 8-16

Jazzart Dance Theatre and the Steve Biko Foundation present Biko's Quest at Artscape Theatre in Cape Town from 8 until 16 September 2012.

The show enjoyed a successful run recently at The Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg, King William's Town.

Biko's Quest promises to take the audience on a thought-provoking and emotional journey displayed through combining powerful dancing and moving story-telling.

"Bantu Steven Biko said "history works through people and we have avail ourselves for history to work through us" it was this thought that led Jackie and I to agree to let history work through us and create a piece that explored the face of humanity" says Director, Mandla Mbothwe. "In the month that marks the anniversary of his death, this is a celebration of his life."

"We have set out on a quest for true humanity, and somewhere on the distant horizon we can see the glittering prize. Let us march forth with courage and determination, drawing strength from our common plight and our brotherhood. In time we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest gift possible-a more human face." – Biko

Biko's Quest is a dance production inspired by the Steve Biko Foundation's exhibition, The Quest for a True Humanity supported by the Department of Education and the Apartheid Museum. Biko's Quest draws inspiration from the exhibition's portrayal of Biko's life and death. Drawing from the original work, this dance production translates Biko's Quest - For a True Humanity from one art form (photography) to another (dance and performance).

In so doing, the production re-visits the contemporary relevance of Steve Biko and his quest for a true humanity. The production also remembers the many people who were held in detention without trial and died under apartheid. Throughout 2011, The Steve Biko Foundation has celebrated Biko's 65th birthday through a series of programs, this production is but one element. Through Biko's Quest, we bring you an interpretation of Biko's vision and interrogate how far the South African society has progressed in becoming a nation with a more human face. What is the true human face in the face of our post-Apartheid South Africa?

The production Biko's Quest seeks to remind us of our true humanity, commemorates all those who died in detention and challenges us to see the True Face of Humanity.

This 80 minute production is told through dance, physical imagery, sound, text and dynamic movement, choreographed by the dynamic team comprising Jacqueline Manyaapelo, Ina Wichterich-Mogane and Mzokuthula Gasa. It attempts to once again stimulate the spirit of Bantu and to revive and reveal the true human face.

Tickets cost R90 with concessions for students, pensioners and group bookings.
Bookings are open at Computicket.

Biko's Quest will be performed at the Artscape Theatre at the following times:

Saturday 8, Tuesday 11, Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 September: at 20:15
Sunday 9 and Wednesday 12 September: at 15h00
Sunday 16 September: at 18h00

For more information on Jazzart Dance Theatre, visit www.jazzart.co.za.

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