TEBELLO—The Night Piece, an innovative collaboration between South African and German artists, is set to captivate audiences with a c that explores the mystical and transformative power of the night.
The immersive production explores and re-images African and European rituals, offering a unique artistic experience that challenges conventional perceptions of performance art. The production will kick off with a pre-show in Johannesburg on the 26th and 28th of June, at the National School of the Arts, before heading to Machebeng College in Maseru, Lesotho, on the 3rd and 5th of July, and concluding at Vryfees in Bloemfontein.
The project draws inspiration from ancient dream incubation rituals, which were once practiced to seek guidance through dreams. The performance takes audiences on an unforgettable journey of meditation, object theatre, endless concerts, and art installations, set within a circle of beds where participants are invited to doze, dream, and experience a sense of sleepwalking.
TEBELLO — The Night Piece is a bold new South African creation inspired by a concept that emerged in Germany in 2023. This intercultural collaboration brings together the visionary forces of O-Team (Germany), Village Gossip Productions, and the Goethe-Institut, with leading South African artists shaping its local expression.
Spearheaded by acclaimed playwright, poet, and director Napo Masheane, alongside the dynamic Annalisa Gxabu, producer/artistic manager, the performance draws from Africa’s deep well of ritual, oral tradition, and spiritual storytelling. These are layered with meditative, introspective elements inspired by European performance philosophies—creating a transcendent theatrical journey that bridges continents, cultures, spirituality and collective memory.
“The night is a sacred space of introspection — where emotions stretch wider, and thoughts echo louder than in daylight,” says Napo Masheane, Artistic Director of the performance. “With TEBELLO—The Night Piece, we invite audiences into the mystery and stillness of nightfall — to sit with the unknown, to feel without interruption, and to connect deeply with themselves, with others, and with the quiet, fleeting rhythms of life.”
Nina Malotta, O-Team (Germany) who is a visual artist, artistic director, stage and costume designer, performer, producer, and communicator from Germany, is one of the key figures behind O-Team’s vision. As a member of O-Team since 2008 and co-leader since 2010, Nina has been integral to the creation of Tebello/The Night Piece.
She reflects, “This concept was born in Kampala three years ago when I met Napo, and it is something we are going to take all over the world. We wanted to create an experience that taps into the profound rituals of the night, while embracing universal human emotions and experiences. Our goal is not just to create art; we want to give people a profound, emotional experience that leaves them still in tune with their soul.”
Nina continues, “We are incorporating elements of visual arts, choreography, music, and dance, drawing on the deep sense of mourning and celebration from African Theatre traditions. This production is not about religious rituals but a reflection on night vigils that were historically practiced in Germany, where people gathered to mourn, to reflect, and to wait for the dawn. This is what we’re bringing to South Africa — a reimagining of those traditions with a modern, meditative approach.”
Step into an intimate, otherworldly experience unlike any other. The South African rendition of TEBELLO—The Night Piece invites a select gathering of only 20–30 people per performance, creating a space where presence, vulnerability, and silence are sacred.
This 12-hour journey, unfolding from dusk till dawn (6 PM to 6 AM), is not merely a performance—it’s a ritual of stillness, soul-searching, and deep emotional restoration. To fully surrender to this transformative experience, all attendees must be willing to disconnect from the outside world by leaving behind their mobile phones and distractions for the full duration.
TEBELLO is not here to entertain. It is here to evoke. To revive. To reflect. This is where night listens, dreams awaken, and the soul remembers.Advance bookings are essential—no walk-ins will be accommodated. This is a threshold moment. Reserve your place. Let the night hold you.
“This is a profound experience that will be different for the South African market,” Napo concludes. “It is about reconnecting with your inner self and the world around you. This is an art form that calls for patience and reflection, something that we believe is missing in our fast-paced world.”
The concept of TEBELLO – meaning “the wake” in South Sotho – carries deep cultural significance. The performance evokes the South African tradition of gathering together during times of mourning and celebration, a ritual of communal healing and reflection. Through Tebello/The Night Piece, audiences and performers alike will experience a series of rituals and artistic expressions throughout the night, ultimately leading to a shared breakfast in the morning.
Tour Dates:
* Pre-Show in Johannesburg: 26th and 28th June 2025 at the National School of Art
* Machebeng College, Maseru, Lesotho: 3rd and 5th July 2025
* Vryfees, Bloemfontein: 16th and 18th July 2025
Key Details:
Performance Duration: 12 hours (beginning late evening and concluding with a shared breakfast)
For Tickets: WhatsApp +27 (83) 768-7330
Audience Capacity: 20-30 people per performance (book early to avoid disappointment)
Important Note: Audience members must leave their phones behind for the full 12-hour duration, come vulnerable in your sleep wear.
Bongi Sikelo 