LEGAGA:  an exploration of memory, dreams and nightmares told through movement, song and text.

Inspired by Phuti’s personal journey as performer and woman, LEGAGA takes us through a journey from childhood to adulthood, a rite of passage and its complexities, difficulties, rejections and tragedies.

LEGAGA was first premiered at My Body My Space Rural Festival in Mpumalanga, then performed at Makhukhanye Art Room in Khayelitsha at Abongile Kroza One Handers Festival in 2017.  

Teresa Phuti Mojela

Mojela started her acting and dancing career in 1999 with a community group called Township Mirror Theatre Group based in Tembisa under the leadership of Oupa China Malatjie. Mojela studied drama at Paul Rapetsoa’s Institute of Dramatic Arts from 2005-2006. Then in 2008 was a student at Inzalo Dance Theatre. In 2009 she was a trainee at Tribhangi Dance Theatre where she trained in different Indian dance styles and later in the same year performed in Thabo Rapoo’s Sehume Tlokweng for Dance Umbrella doing Praise and Song. In 2010 she was featured in Luyanda Sidiya’s Indlela for Dance Umbrella. In 2010-2014 she was a senior dance company member under the leadership of Gregory Maqoma the founder and CEO of Vuyani Dance Company and was also a dance teacher for Outreach Children’s program and Vuyani Saturday Academy. Then 2015 she was a teacher and a dancer at moving into dance Mophatong.

Teresa worked with different choreographers and directors such as James Ngcobo , Jerry Mofokeng , Shanell Winlock, Robyn Orlin, Jayspree Moopen , Margaret Mokoka ,Mark Hawkens, Moeketsi Koena, Alfred Hinkel, Silvia “magogo” Glasser the founder of Moving Into Dance Mophatong and Florent Mahoukou from Congo Brazzaville to mention only a few.

LEGAGA was crafted through a collaborative effort: Choreographed and performed by Teresa Phuti Mojela; directed and mentored by award-winning dancer and choreographer, Shanell Winlock Pailman; with music composed by Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, member of the popular acapella trio The Soil, and Liso Somila Toyi.

The concept compiled by Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and dramaturge, Billy Langa.

After being part of the Artists In Residency by the Forgotten Angles Theatre Collaborative at Ebhudlweni Art Centre in Mpumalanga Province, Phuti found a platform, space and time to further interrogate her own voice.

Photographs by Xolani Tulumani

Audience Responses

Theresa is one of my favourite performers. I could have watched her for hours - she conveys emotion in the most subtle of movements, in a look, in a moment. I was so moved by last nights show. Woke up thinking about it...

It was amazing. It was breath taking. I enjoyed every moment

The performance was great, the performer was excellent & took us through an emotional journey.

Beautiful dance! Just loved it.