Dance-theatre production: People on the Move
4 October 16:00, 8 October 12:00
Adam Small Theatre Complex
On a windless Sunday afternoon, the inside of the Adam Small Theatre Complex was anything but still. From the moment the performance began, the stage was a whirl of twirling, shaking, screaming and singing – and it never stopped.
Not one corner of the stage went unused at the People on the Move performance at Woordfees 2026. PHOTO: Supplied/ Gys Loubser
The dance-theatre production People on the Move is an hour-long performance that explores the themes of migration, displacement and the universal search for belonging. Performed at this year’s Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, a cast of 14 performers floated from dance to dance, each number more energetic than the last, with little rest in between.
The story begins with a couple and their three young sons living in rural South Africa, where the father must leave to provide for his family. Then comes a tribute to those exiled from South Africa, and we learn that the father has moved to Manhattan. Towards the end, his wife and sons travel to the city themselves.
The soundtrack that guides the story pays homage to the sounds of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim, three exiled artists whose music has since been immortalised. There was never a still moment, and with a cast that didn’t drop character for even a second, the production felt rich and layered. In every corner, at any moment, you’d see someone shining their shoes or handing someone a rose: Small stories unfolding within the bigger one.
The dancing itself was both fluid and exaggerated. Performers were swept into the air and spun around, stretching their limbs as far as they could reach. The all-female numbers were particularly engaging to watch, their colourful dresses swaying in sync to the rhythm.
Performers of the People on the Move dance-theatre production at Woordfees would alternate outfits for various dance numbers. In this number, performers tell the story of people who shared their culture with those living in the places they had migrated to. PHOTO: Supplied/ Gys Loubser
While the dancing was captivating, there were moments when I wondered if I was supposed to read more into the storyline. By the end, still unsure of many details, I found the story difficult to follow. It was never made clear why the father was exiled.
While the production touches on the pain of separation and the struggle of a family left without a father and husband, the link between those it pays tribute to and the storyline gets a little lost in the dancing.