Animal-like Mantsoe not to be missed

KONKORITI, by Vincent Sekwati Koko Mantsoe, at the Great Hall, final performance today.

VINCENT Mantsoe is a master of movement and dance. His body language is quite exquisite as he speaks to the soul, the state of being, the “tireless pursuit of self -righteousness”, a last breath before the fall only to rise again.

His body extensions and energy excite you and his inner soul fills you. How often can one dancer on a bare stage provide such exhilaration? The answer is: only very rarely. Sometimes Mantsoe almost appears animal-like and at times he sounds the calling of the birds. His stillness and piercing eyes command you, like a king commanding his subjects.

Mantsoe as a dancer has spent years training his body to perfection, but it is his soul that feeds his audience. This production is a must-see. Mantsoe now lives in France as many other South African dancers do. Why are we not keeping them in South Africa? Because there are no opportunities.

I have hardly missed a festival in 43 years and it seems the National Arts Festival is not what it used to be. When Mantsoe first appeared at festival, he played to full houses. Yesterday the hall was anything but full.

The organisers need to jack up their act and get programmes here that put bums on seats, then promote them properly throughout South Africa. – Ann Knight