The musical tells the story of a young South African dancer who goes in search of the wonders of African dance. Her search becomes a spiritual journey that eventually leads to her own self-discovery. Her travels take her as far as an island off Dakar in Senegal, West Africa. The island is Gorée, steeped in history and notorious for its role in the slave trade. There she meets a wise old African woman who teaches her all about African culture, art, music and dance.
Premièred in 1989 in a production by the Soyikwa group starring Sibongile Khumalo and Nomsa Manaka, directed by John Kani, choreographed by Nomsa Manaka, with music by Matsemela Manaka, Sibongile Khumalo, Motsumi Makhene and Peter Boroko. In September 1989 the South African production was brought to New York and staged by the New Federal Theater at the Riverside Church.
| Credit | Artist | Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Playwright | Matsemela Manaka |  |
| Playwright | Motsumi Makhene |  |
| Playwright | Peter Boroko |  |
| Director | John Kani |  |
| Choreographer | Nomsa Manaka |  |
| Costume Designer | Kate Manaka |  |
| Actor | Sibongile Khumala |  |
| Actor | Nomsa Manaka | |
All 1989-90 Season productions: