This May, The Dance Factory will present the UK premiere of Dada Masilo’s Hamlet at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
The production marks the final work of the award‑winning South African choreographer, who died in 2024 and was celebrated internationally for reimagining classical repertoire through a contemporary, African perspective.
Reframing Shakespeare’s tragedy through the eyes of Ophelia, the hour‑long dance theatre piece interrogates misogyny, power and manipulation. The work blends classical ballet, African dance and period influences, accompanied by an original score by Thuthuka Sibisi with Leroy Mpholo, Ann Masina and Mpho Mothiba.
Following Masilo’s death, the company has chosen to continue touring the work as her final artistic statement. Hamlet premiered at the Burgtheater, Vienna in 2024 before touring to Hamburg and Antwerp.
For its 2026 presentation, producer Suzette Le Sueur has further developed the production’s choreographic language. Longtime Masilo collaborator Llewellyn Mnguni now performs Gertrude and serves as Associate Choreographer, shifting the role from an actor to a dancer to expand Gertrude’s emotional arc and her relationship with Claudius.
Suzette Le Sueur, Producer said: ‘The best tribute we can pay Dada is to keep her work alive.’
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director said ‘Dada Masilo made a significant impact on dance in South Africa, making groundbreaking works that didn’t shy away from dealing with the difficult issue that she and others faced. We supported all her recent work and are happy that the company were able to bring this, her last work, as a chance to remember and pay tribute to the memory of this great artist.’
Performers include original cast members Lehlohonolo Madise, Thandiwe Mqokeli, Thuso Lobeko and Aphiwe Dike, with additional dancers Llewellyn Mnguni, Thando Mgobhozi, David Maluleka and Tumelo Lekana, as well as Lesego Dihemo, Nandi Zulu and Wesley Hlongwane.
Dada Masilo’s Hamlet is a Sadler’s Wells co‑production, with a press night scheduled for 25 May 2026 at 7.30pm.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
