South African choreographer explores sacrifice in spellbinding show

Portrait of South African dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo. Her piece "The Sacrifice" was performed at the Avignon international theatre festival, July 2022. © Rob Mills

"The Sacrifice" by South African choreographer Dada Masilo is a fusion of contemporary dance and a ritual dance from Botswana, known as Tswana. Inspired by the innovative rhythms of Igor Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring" she has brought together twelve dancers and four musicians for the Avignon Festival, 2022.

Born and raised in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo is known for merging classical techniques with African dance steps to create a unique style.