The contemporary dance scene in Gauteng is preparing for a landmark event this October. On 24 and 25 October, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts Centre will host the premiere of Mpeyane’s Dream / Ipupo, an evocative work in development by internationally acclaimed choreographer and dancer Vincent Sekwati Koko Mantsoe. Serving as the 2026 UJ Artist in Residence for Dance, Mantsoe brings his ritualistic movement and compelling physical theatre to the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre for a weekend season.
Situated on the UJ Kingsway Campus in Auckland Park, this production offers arts lovers from across Pretoria and Johannesburg a rare opportunity to witness the creative evolution of one of South Africa’s most distinguished dance innovators. The performance marks an important new chapter in an artistic career that bridges traditional African spiritual practices, contemporary dance, and cross-cultural physical techniques.
The Legacy of Vincent Sekwati Koko Mantsoe
To appreciate the significance of this upcoming premiere, one must examine the extraordinary career of Vincent Mantsoe. Born in Diepkloof, Soweto, Mantsoe grew up surrounded by a rich spiritual lineage. His mother, grandmother, and aunts were all Sangomas (traditional healers), an upbringing that deeply influenced his understanding of body movement, sound, and ancestral connection.
Mantsoe began his formal training at Moving Into Dance Mophatong under the guidance of Sylvia Glasser. Over the decades, he pioneered the renowned KOBA technique, a movement philosophy that integrates traditional African dance with Asian martial arts, Tai-Chi, and contemporary European methods. Now based in France, where he leads Association Noa, Mantsoe remains a vital force in international choreography, celebrated for translating spiritual energy into masterful stage performances.
From Mpeyane to Ipupo: A Thirty-Year Philosophical Journey
Mpeyane’s Dream / Ipupo represents the latest stage of a thirty-year investigation into spiritual heritage, identity, and the subconscious mind. The journey began in 1997 with Mantsoe’s iconic solo work, Mpeyane, which earned widespread acclaim for turning personal history into a universal dance language.
This initial work later expanded into Behold Ipupo / Mpeyane’s Dream, deepening his exploration of dreams as channels for ancestral guidance. The new production at the UJ Arts Centre builds on these foundations, offering a mature, highly reflective performance that examines how memory and spiritual inheritance shape modern existence.
Inside Mpeyane’s Dream / Ipupo
Combining Northern Sotho and isiZulu concepts of dreaming, the title itself highlights the core themes of the work. The performance considers how dreams serve as a bridge between the material world and the realm of the ancestors, offering a quiet study of transformation, lineage, and intuition.
As a work in development, this staging provides a unique experience for theatre enthusiasts and cultural scholars. Attendees are welcomed into the artistic process, witnessing the choreographer refine raw movement, emotional pacing, and narrative structure in real time.
A Symphony of Body and isiXhosa Soundscapes
Sound plays a central role in shaping the world of Mpeyane’s Dream / Ipupo. The production features original music rooted in traditional isiXhosa vocal structures and rhythmic patterns, creating a continuous dialogue between the soundscape and the dancer.
The resonance of traditional instrumentation and vocal arrangements establishes an immersive atmosphere inside the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre. As Mantsoe moves across the stage, these auditory rhythms ground the abstract choreography within vibrant African musical traditions.
The Residency at UJ Arts and Culture
The production stands out as a major highlight of the 2026 UJ Arts & Culture programme, presented alongside the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA). Through its Artist in Residence initiative, the university fosters meaningful engagement between professional artists, researchers, and the public.
Mantsoe’s residency brings world-class dance practice directly to Gauteng audiences. By hosting creative residencies of this caliber, the UJ Arts Centre strengthens its reputation as a leading destination for contemporary African performance and artistic research.
Event Details and Booking Information
For arts and culture enthusiasts planning a weekend outing from Pretoria, Mpeyane’s Dream / Ipupo offers an unmissable theatrical experience. Given the limited two-day run, early booking is recommended.
- Venue: Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, UJ Arts Centre, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
- Dates: 24 and 25 October 2026
- Performance Times: Opening night on Saturday, 24 October; Matinee performance on Sunday, 25 October (15:00 to 16:30)
- Ticket Pricing: R150 to R200
- Bookings: Available online via Quicket
Whether you have followed Vincent Mantsoe’s work since his early days at Moving Into Dance or are discovering his KOBA technique for the first time, Mpeyane’s Dream / Ipupo promises an inspiring afternoon of world-class dance that celebrates the power of traditional heritage.