Coming off the back of a six-week 10th anniversary tour of China, executive producer and creator, Richard Loring, has announced that the internationally known high-energy production, African Footprint, will be playing for a limited season - 21 shows only - at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town from 21 May to 12 June.

With the sound of the Chinese audiences still ringing in their ears, the cast have expressed their excitement about playing a short season in Cape Town and are set to wow local audiences.

Since the show’s inaugural performance before Nelson Mandela and other international dignitaries on Robben Island on Millenium Eve on 31 December 1999, and thereafter the world premiere on 11 May 2000, the award-winning African Footprint has, through some 4 000 performances, continued to spread its message of optimism in countries such as the USA, Canada, China, Australia, India, Monte Carlo, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Morocco, Ghana, Israel, Mexico, Lebanon and France, where it was stated that African Footprint is to South Africa what Riverdance is to the Irish, and what Stomp is to the Brits.

Featuring the sounds of the African drum and pennywhistle, this song-and-dance musical fuses Kwela-jive, traditional gum boot, tap, contemporary ballet and hip-hop pantsula. It tells the story of the people of Africa through the words of the well-known poet Don Mattera - "Oh Sophiatown, you speak to me through the ashes of yesteryear.”

The energy and excellence of the cast, entertainment value and universal message have touched people of all cultures around the world for years and made even the most hardened non-dance critics spring to their feet to applaud these young South African cultural ambassadors. Loring stated that his previous seasons in Cape Town in 2003/2004 were a great success and this new generation of passionate and talented Footprinters will once again deliver a show that has given audiences around the world much pleasure.

A few of the accolades received by African Footprint:

- 1999 Robben Island Millennium Inaugural performance before Nelson Mandela and international dignitaries;

- 2000 Vita Awards: Best Ensemble, Best Musical Production and Best Lighting;

- 2000 Royal Variety Performance HRH Prince Charles;

- 2001 Cast granted “Freedom of Atlanta” USA

- 2003 First Theatrical group to receive ‘Proudly South African’ status;

- 2005 Naledi Awards: Best Choreography-Best Lighting;

- 2006 South African Tourism Award;

- 2006 HRH Duke of Edinburgh World Foundation at St James Palace;

- 2008 Paris Match Certificate of Excellence and Professionalism; and

- 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

Shows run at the Artscape Opera House from 21 May to 12 June from Tuesdays to Fridays at 20:00, on Saturdays at 14:00 and 20:00 and on Sundays at 18:00 ,with tickets from R125 to R325 via Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.