Johannesburg, South Africa – South African award-winning choreographer and performer Thami Tshabalala will premiere his latest dance theatre production, Girls of the Golden West, at the Kucheza Festival 2026, bringing an urgent and thought-provoking exploration of Black queer identity, visibility, and self-definition to the national stage.
Set to run from 7–12 July 2026 at the Sibusiso Kwinana Theatre at The South African State Theatre, the production arrives at a time when conversations around representation, identity, and belonging remain at the forefront of South Africa’s cultural landscape.
Created through the prestigious Barney Simon Residency, initiated by the Market Theatre Foundation, Girls of the Golden West marks a significant milestone in Tshabalala’s career. In 2026, he made history as the first dance-based theatre maker to be awarded the Barney Simon Residency, a programme that supports innovative artists through mentorship, resources, and financial assistance.
The production treats the body as a living archive, carrying memory, silence, resistance, and survival through movement, ritual, and embodied storytelling. Girls of the Golden West examines how Black queer lives have navigated histories shaped by colonialism, racism, homophobia, and gender policing, while celebrating resilience, visibility, and self-expression.
“At its core, this work is about reclaiming space and narrative,” says Tshabalala. “It is an invitation to witness the beauty, complexity, and humanity of Black queer existence beyond stereotypes and imposed identities through the lens of the African child.
Tshabalala is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s leading contemporary dance voices. A Naledi Award-winning choreographer, his work has toured locally and internationally, earning acclaim for its ability to merge personal storytelling with broader social commentary. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with Kelsey Middleton, Mamela Nyamza and the late Dada Masilo, while consistently creating work that challenges audiences to engage with issues of identity, heritage and social justice.
At a time when South African arts continue to play a critical role in fostering dialogue and understanding, Girls of the Golden West stands as both a cultural statement and a celebration of artistic freedom – offering audiences an opportunity to engage with stories that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Production Details:
Title: Girls of the Golden West
Concept & Choreography: Thami Tshabalala
Performers: Julia Burnham, Thandiwe Mqokeli and Thami Tshabalala
Venue: Sibusiso Kwinana Theatre, South African State Theatre, Pretoria
Dates: 7–12 July 2026
Times:
7–10 July: 19h00
11 July: 15h00 & 19h00
12 July: 15h00
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