Michigan Opera Theatre Presents African Footprint

African Footprint narrates the history of South Africa through a breathtaking blend of Afro- and Euro-centric music and dance, communicating the show's positive messages of tolerance, pride, self-discovery and empowerment.

"African Footprint is unlike any dance production we have ever had at the Detroit Opera House, and we are delighted to host such a unique and culturally enriching show," says Detroit Opera House General Director Dr. David DiChiera.

Having performed for over 250 million viewers in over 3,500 shows throughout Europe, Australia, China, Israel and India, African Footprint makes the Detroit Opera House one of its first stops on its maiden U.S. tour.

With a young company of over 30 members, African Footprint has received wide acclaim all over the globe, prompting critics to dub African Footprint "The Riverdance of South Africa." The 90-minute dance and song spectacle melds hypnotic heartbeats of the African drum with the soulful saxophone and the haunting pennywhistle, creating an exhilarating series of numbers that features a myriad of traditional and contemporary dances: the Kwela-jive, traditional gumboot, tap, contemporary ballet and hip-hop pantsula.
African Footprint's vibrant and moving music and dance are structured around the poetry of Don Mattera, South Africa's foremost poet, and a leader in the movement against apartheid in South Africa. The groundbreaking show is choreographed by in-demand choreographer David Matamela with music by South African musician and composer Dave Pollecutt.

African Footprint got its start from the vision of South African performer and producer Richard Loring, when in 1998, Loring started a school for disadvantaged South African youth interested in performance. Soon after, on New Year's Eve 1999, Loring's troupe was invited to perform from the prison cell where Nelson Mandela had been held at Robben Island for a special CNN Millennial Festivities broadcast. The performance, broadcast around the world, became the launching pad for African Footprint. Since its splashy conception, African Footprint has played for seven years in South Africa, 2 1/2 years in Europe, and numerous engagements throughout Australia, China, Israel and India. The company has been invited to perform before such luminaries as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, HRH Prince Charles and Nelson Mandela. -- www.motopera.org