The highly anticipated dance-opera, "Genesis: The Beginning and End of Time," recently premiered in Cape Town, immediately establishing itself as both an audience-pleaser and a phantasmagoric multidisciplinary collaboration. This new work by acclaimed South African dancer Gregory Maqoma showcases his distinctive approach to choreography and artistic creation.

Towards the end of 2024, prior to his retirement from performing, Gregory Maqoma shared insights into his creative philosophy, emphasizing the paramount importance of collaboration. He stated that within the rehearsal room, he believes every participant has a valuable contribution to offer. However, Maqoma also highlighted that the audience, though not physically present during rehearsals, serves as perhaps the most significant collaborator of all.

Maqoma articulated his deep consideration for the audience in his creative process, explaining, "The most important thing for me, and something that I always think about when making work or choreographing a piece, is the audience. Because ultimately, it is about them. The work is telling a story that needs to be relatable to an audience. It is relating stories that the audience needs to be inspired by. In any work I create, the audience is among my collaborators. They are there with me in the space." This philosophy underscores his commitment to creating art that resonates deeply and inspires those who experience it.

"Genesis: The Beginning and End of Time" is Maqoma's latest creation, having just emerged from the rehearsal room for a limited engagement at The Baxter in Cape Town. This groundbreaking and multivalent dance-opera masterfully fuses intense movement and physicality with haunting vocal performances, scintillating musical compositions, and a captivating libretto penned by the distinguished French-Indian poet Karthika Naïr, creating a rich, immersive theatrical experience.