By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Nathan Botha and Nkosana Fakude (dancers) Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, South Africa — A bold new interdisciplinary dance production is set to take centre stage in the city as Vuyani Dance Theatre, in partnership with Arts Alive Festival, presents CODE/DNA—a visually striking and emotionally charged work that interrogates memory, identity, and the body as a living archive.
Opening at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, the production brings together an exceptional collective of South African creatives in a multi-layered performance that blends dance, music, and multimedia storytelling.
Seen Here: Simphiwe Sanele Skhakhane (singer) and Sbusiso Shozi (composer) Photo Credit: Supplied
The Body as Archive
Choreographed and directed by Otto Andile Nhlapo, Assistant Artistic Director of Vuyani Dance Theatre, CODE/DNA is grounded in the idea that the human body carries a hidden archive—storing memory, trauma, and inherited knowledge long after the conscious mind has moved on.
Through fluid movement, evocative choreography, and immersive design, the production explores how lived experiences and ancestry are encoded within us, shaping identity and emotional landscapes.
At its core, the work reflects a universal truth: while time progresses, the body remembers.
Seen Here: Nkosana Fakude (dancer) Photo Credit: Supplied
A Fusion of Sound, Light and Movement
Driving the sonic dimension of the production is an original score by Sbusiso Shozi, whose work spans theatre, opera, and international stages from Paris to New York. His collaboration with Nhlapo creates a rich, layered soundscape that amplifies the emotional intensity of the performance.
Lighting design is led by internationally acclaimed Oliver Hauser, whose work across global cities including Berlin, Beijing, and Barcelona brings depth and atmosphere to the stage, transforming the theatre into a fully immersive environment.
Seen Here: Otto Andile Nhlapo (choreographer and director) and Katlego Lekhula (dancer) Photo Credit: Supplied
A Stellar Creative Ensemble
The production features a diverse and accomplished ensemble of performers and creatives, including:
- Simphiwe Sanele Skhakhane, a Naledi Award-winning musical director known for major theatrical productions
- Thokozani Nsibande, a multi-instrumentalist rooted in African indigenous music traditions
- Sipho Reuben Dhlamini, an experienced live performer with a dynamic musical presence
- Khanyisile Ngwabe, an acclaimed stage and screen performer and Naledi Award nominee
- Teboho Cecil Motaung, a globally experienced singer and performer
- Ziwe Fihlani, an educator and advocate for women in the arts
Together with dancers from Vuyani Dance Theatre and a live musical ensemble, the production creates a layered, interdisciplinary experience that blurs the boundaries between performance forms.
Seen Here: Simphiwe Sanele Sikhakhane (singer) Photo Credit: Supplied
A Story Beyond Difference
CODE/DNA moves beyond individual narratives to uncover shared human experiences—exploring how trauma, healing, and identity intersect within the body. It is both a deeply personal and collective work, inviting audiences to reflect on their own histories and connections.
Performance Details
- Friday, 24 April 2026 – 19:00
- Saturday, 25 April 2026 – 15:00
- Venue: Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre
- Tickets: Available via Quicket
- Students: R100
- General Public: R150
A Rising Voice in Contemporary Dance
At the helm of the production, Otto Andile Nhlapo continues to establish himself as a powerful voice in contemporary dance. A graduate of Moving Into Dance and a seasoned international performer, his choreographic work reflects a deep engagement with identity, heritage, and social narratives.
An Unmissable Artistic Experience
With its fusion of movement, sound, and visual storytelling, CODE/DNA promises to be one of Johannesburg’s standout cultural offerings this season—an evocative journey into the unseen intelligence of the body and the stories it holds.
As the city’s arts scene continues to thrive, this production stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and storytelling in contemporary South African performance.
