Joburg Ballet to showcase Tumelo Lekana’s ‘Mpho’ at Royal Opera House in London

Tumelo 'Tumi' Lekana. Picture: Lauge Sorensen

Joburg Ballet's Tumelo "Tumi" Lekana takes his captivating new work Mpho to the Royal Opera House in London, United Kingdom, to celebrate South African narratives in the global ballet landscape.

The performance is scheduled for 9 and 10 April as part of the prestigious International Draft Works, an event spotlighting emerging choreographers from around the globe. This marks an exciting return for Joburg Ballet, having previously debuted at the event in 2023 with a piece by Mario Gaglione.

In an interview with Mzansi Theatre Review, Lekana expressed his elation and surprise upon receiving the invitation to present his work, Mpho. “I was genuinely shocked because I was told the piece was for something small, but it turned out to be the opposite. It took a moment to realise the magnitude of it all,” he revealed. 

“This achievement is bigger than me as an individual. Yes, I might be the face, but it has always been about the work and the people it represents—many contributions and sacrifices have led to this moment.”

Mpho, which translates to ‘gift’ in SeTswana or SeSotho, draws inspiration from a series of vivid dreams experienced by Lekana. Through the lens of these dreams, ranging from receiving gifts to exploring education, the choreography evolves into a rich narrative examining the search for truth and self-acceptance. Lekana articulates the essence of Mpho as a journey towards healing and faith: “The feeling I hope to leave audiences with is one of connection and healing, encouraging them to discover their own gifts.”

As an emerging voice in the world of ballet, Lekana embraces the opportunity presented by The International Draft Works with the immense support from Air France that has enabled Joburg Ballet to send him and his cast to London, not only as a milestone but also as a journey of growth. He describes the experience as both humbling and exhilarating.

“Everything about this (event) excites me—the fears, the doubts, the opportunity to learn from the very best. It’s like going to crèche for the first time; no expectations, no limitations, just eager to absorb everything like a sponge.”

Reflecting on the evolution of ballet within South Africa, Lekana highlights the significant role of local narratives in shaping the art form. 

“Ballet in South Africa has evolved from the timeless, beautiful classics into a more contemporary way of telling African-inspired stories...it has been done by many before me, such as the late legendary ausi Dada Masilo who has done many works like Carmen and Giselle, Mthuthuzeli November’s Ingoma, Mzanzi Ballet’s The Golden River, ausi Mamela Nyamza’s Hatched and Mario Gaglione’s Inferno, all told through South African text,” he says.

 

"So it's becoming more storytelling but our own life experiences and voices, which makes it a unique form of collaboration using the European lens, which is ballet, simply storytelling.”

Tumelo 'Tumi' Lekana and Mario Gaglione. Picture: Lauge Sorensen

As Lekana prepares to present Mpho on an international stage, he hopes to leave a significant impact. “I hope it moves them in a way that they can see themselves in 'Mpho', connect, heal, and begin to discover their own unique gifts”

To aspiring South African dancers and choreographers, Lekana imparts a message of humility and commitment to the craft: “The work is always bigger than us. We never walk alone—we are guided. I wouldn’t say I’ve made a mark; I’m simply walking this journey with tumelo (faith), allowing it to take me places I’ve never been.” 

He encourages them to embrace the art form wholeheartedly, assuring them that it brings rewards beyond imagination.

We extend our best wishes to Tumi Lekana, Daria D’Orazio, Savannah Jacobson, Latoya Mokoena, and Peter Mpho Mothiba as they embark on this exciting journey in London.

From left to right: Savannah Jacobson, Tumelo Lekana, Daria D'Orazio, and Latoya Mokoena. Picture: Lauge Sorensen.