The South African dance community will gather at Artscape for a special performance dedicated to the life and legacy of Sir Geoffrey Nyman, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and educator who passed away in June.
This one-time event, titled SOBREMESA, will take place on Tuesday, October 28th, at 7:30 PM at the Artscape Opera House, with all proceeds benefiting the theatre's Charitable Fund.
The performance is jointly organized by Artscape and Cape Ballet Africa. The evening will bring together dancers from various troupes, artists, and friends to honor Nyman's significant contributions to Spanish dance and performing arts.
In his brilliant career, Nyman had a twenty-year dance partnership with Mercedes Molina under the pseudonym Enrique Segovia, during which they performed with leading Spanish dance companies.
His cultural legacy also includes assistance in establishing the Spanish Dance Society and participation in developing its men's program. This program helped preserve and promote Spanish dance, maintaining standards across five continents.
In 1999, King Juan Carlos I of Spain awarded Nyman the 'Cruz de Oficial de la Orden de Isabel la Católica' for his outstanding contribution to Spanish culture and dance education. He was recently recognized as an Honorary Life President of this society.
Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux spoke of Nyman's passing as a national and personal loss, recalling his role as a mentor and advocate for the arts.
She noted: 'We have said goodbye to an art giant. It is also a personal loss for me, as he was my mentor when I was young in this industry. Sir Geoffrey Nyman was much more than just a famous figure in dance. He was a guiding star, a mentor, an advocate, and an unwavering supporter of the arts.'
Le Roux emphasized that his influence extended beyond the stage, touching the lives of dancers, performers, teachers, and artists in South Africa and around the world.
She added: 'Through his vision, passion, and generous spirit, he inspired excellence, reminding us of the transformative power of creativity. Art has lost one of its great custodians, but his legacy will live on in every artist he encouraged, every career he helped shape, and every audience member touched by the beauty he brought to the world.'
Debbie Turner, Artistic Director and founder of Cape Ballet Africa, also expressed her reverence for Nyman's dedication to artistic perfection.
She stated: 'Sir Geoffrey was a wonderful patron, a passionate defender of the arts, and a devoted supporter of ballet, whose enthusiasm for artistic excellence enriched countless lives. When we reflect on his contribution to the cultural landscape of South Africa, we celebrate a life dedicated to beauty, creativity, and the transformative power of art. His legacy proudly continues.'
Spanish dance held a central place in Nyman's creative life, and SOBREMESA will unite various elements of art that he loved.
Guest artist Ramon Fernandez, a flamenco dancer from South Africa, will travel from Spain specifically for this performance.
Cape Ballet Africa will present Nacho Duato's 'Remanso,' which the company first showed as part of its triple concert BREATHWORDS after a rare opportunity to work directly with the choreographer on the production.
'Remanso,' known as one of Nyman's favorite works, will be presented alongside Michelle Reed's 'Duende,' which she dedicated to his memory at the premiere at The Baxter this month.