DISCOVERING COLLABORATION: SOUTH AFRICAN SOWETO SKELETON MOVERS & CREATE4

Lloydscompany is exploring the possibilities for a new performance that combines the South African dance movements of the Soweto Skeleton Movers with the intense dance of Create4. Lloydscompany previously created a dance performance called 'Unbreakable' with the five Soweto Skeleton Movers. This was a huge success; it even became part of a visit by the Dutch royal couple to South Africa. Create4 is a dance group of Black male dancers, for whom choreographer Ibrah Silas Jackson, accompanied by Lloydscompany, is responsible for the choreography.

The dancers of Create4 are African-oriented. "I see a connection with South Africa, where the Soweto Skeleton Movers are popular with their pantsula dance," says Marengo. Together with Ibrah Silas Jackson, he is exploring where the styles of the two groups can meet. "We are looking for depth in those two styles and trying to create a unity from them."

In early 2026, Marengo and Jackson will be back in South Africa to further develop this idea with the dancers for this piece. They hope to give a wonderful performance in two years in collaboration with Bos Theatre Productions. Lloydscompany also collaborated with them in 2013 for the performance LOUD.

UNBREAKABLE

In a combination of heartfelt acting, vibrant African dance styles, humour, and impressive visuals, the Soweto Skeleton Movers from Johannesburg tell their personal life stories. Despite facing many setbacks and temptations, these five dancers are unbreakable.

The Soweto Skeleton Movers take the audience on a joyful and overwhelming journey filled with singing, street performances, impressive visuals, and their 'skeleton pantsula,' a mix of traditional South African street dance (Pantsula) and 'bone breaking.' All of this is supported by a contemporary soundtrack featuring melodic Afrohouse tunes and pumping Amapiano beats. Welcome to Soweto!

Unbreakable is a promising collaboration between Rotterdam choreographer Lloyd Marengo, London theatre director Jonzi D, and the five explosively energetic dancers of the Soweto Skeleton Movers, who have long outgrown their humble status as street performers and now perform worldwide.