b"Images: Arthur DlaminiZ o Modiga, Moving into Dance, uKhoiKhoi, Zolani Mahola, Manthe Ribane, Vuyani Dance Theatre, Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, the National School of the Arts, Lebo Mashile, Masasa Mbangeni, Lee-Ann van Rooi, Roshina Ratnam, Rorisang Thandekiso. In addition to celebrating winning creative and corporate partnerships, every year BASA partners directly with artists to showcase our rich contemporary creative landscape, as well as our rich artistic heritage. The featured artist for the 26th annual BASA Awards is renowned South African dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma (GM) who has transcended borders with his captivating performances. BASAALBY MICHAELS (He/Him) is an Creative Producer and Strategic Projectsaward-winning director and designer who has led as Manager, Alby Michaels (AM) chats to himthe Creative Director for about the GM50 Legacy Programme and aAM: Please share some insights intothe BASA Awards since 2019 lifetime of rhythm and grace. the collaborative aspects of youras well as producer and curator of the inaugural legacy programme? Other than BASA,BASA ASSEMBLY, the BASA AM: Other than dance, what is yourwho are some of the notable artists orCultural Producers Programme, greatest passion in life? collaborators with whom you're workingSoCreative Summit 2022, Debut Programme and BASA's all new GM: I am passionate about other forms ofto mark this milestone? Climate/Culture Programme. He art, like writing and directing films, hence theGM: The 2023 Arts Alive Festival came onis BASA's Project Manager for release of the two books I have co-writtenboard to support and partner in producingPESP4 and played a key role in with two South African authors: Dr Gcinathe GM50 Legacy Weekend, along withall of BASA's artists relief efforts during COVID. Mhlophe (we collaborated on the childrensprimary partner Joburg Theatre. I am picture book by Elizabeth Pulles), as well asincredibly indebted to the sheer talent and a memoir co-written with Lorato Trok, andwillingness of our diverse artistic offering, published by Jacana Media with fundingsuch as Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra, as r h yt h m from The National Arts Council.well as artists like Madala Kunene, NduduzoAfrican dance work. A childrens show Makhathini, Kitty Phetla, Tebogo Kgobokoe,Cion: Cothoza has been created for children AM: What has partnership meant for youmy own Vuyani Dance Theatre and itsby children and gives young people an in your career? alumni, as well as my long-standing danceopportunity to be exposed to being involved GM: I am big on collaboration andpartner Shanell Winlock Pailmann. I amin a full-scale theatre project. The books well maintaining partnerships that have stoodalso incredibly excited that the show willshowcase are also adding to the suite of local the test of time. Partnership is alignment; itsbe directed by the award-winning Luyandaliterature, and I too hope that my own story g r a c e about working together to achieve similarSidiya. will be an inspiration for many children and goals. I have had the opportunity to partneryoung adults who carry a dreamthat these with organisations that have helped to shapeAM: Legacy involves passing downare possible and can be realised.and sustain my career. knowledge and inspiration to the next generation. How does your GM50AM: What has been the highlight of your AM: Tell us more about what youprogramme reflect your commitment tocareer?have lined up for GM50 and about thenurturing and inspiring future creatives? GM: The highlight of my career must be in overarching themes or messages you hopeGM: The programme is about leavingthe now, that at the age of 50, my story has to convey. behind a lasting legacy and to inspire a newbeen published in multiple forms for a range GM: The GM50 Legacy Programme is aboutgeneration of creators and artists. We haveof audiences to appreciate and from which to a legacy lived, being lived and the future itcommissioned three young choreographers,take inspiration.holds. The overarching theme is hope withNomasonto Radebe, Otto Nhlapo and reference to literature and giving birth toCharleston Van Rooyen, to re-imagineAM: Looking back, is there anything you new works, particularly those for children.some of my notable works and inject a newwould do differently and why?GM50 is an inspirational curated programmeenergy with their own interpretation. TheseGM:If I was given a chance to relive my of different aesthetics and the intersectioncommissions will see seeds being plantedlife, I would do it with the same amount of of artists in celebration of each one of ourfor new works, which will hopefully growpleasure (if not more!); I have no regrets but achievements. and contribute to the larger body of Southonly a lot to celebrate.SQUARE3"