Press
Dancer and singer unite for live show with a 'strong feminist standpoint'
— Tymon Smith (Sunday Times)
New dance work ‘Sullied’ reflects on rape culture & toxic masculinity
— Kedibone Modise (IOL)
The 2021 Standard Bank Young Artist winner Kristi-Leigh Gresse is back with her compelling dance theatre production titled “Sullied”.
The multi-award-winning dance work explores the notion of purity and impurity of a female body.
Conceptualised and choreographed by Gresse, “Sullied” is directed by Matjamela Motloung and stars Sandile Mkhize Fezeka Shandu and Nolwazi Ngcobo.
Using the combined power of dance and spoken word, “Sullied” interrogates themes of religion, body politics, racism, gender, sexuality, rape culture and toxic masculinity.
The gripping narrative challenges the “hypocrisy of a world where abuse, suffering and pain is accepted, normalised and tolerated” in society.
Gresse uses dancing as a tool to reveal emotions
— Sivenathi Gosa (DispatchLIVE)
“Kristi-Leigh Gresse says winning the 2021 Standard Bank Young Artist Award is a huge honour“
— Newzroom Afrika
Kristi-Leigh Gresse, a contemporary dancer, says winning the 2021 Standard Bank Young Artist Award in the dance category is a huge honour for her and the dance community. Since the first Standard Bank Young Artist award in 1981, Gresse has joined a remarkable list of artists and alumni of the programme. Her work revolves around issues of gender and body politics. She talks about her work and current projects.
Step by step with Kristi-Leigh Gresse
— Janice Phiri (City Press)
Kristi-Leigh Gresse challenges gender and body politics through dance
— Kedibone Modise (IOL)
The irreplaceable power of live performances
— Rod Amner (Grocott’s Mail)
“I find this moment quite daunting yet overwhelmingly exciting. We have been here before, yet we are coming back with so many uncertainties, and there is a great deal of wonder in that. We get to rediscover old favourites while introducing new flavours, smells, and conversations.
There will always be a place for live art. To have that tangible experience cannot be replaced. Yes, we welcome the digital forum to the table, but this world is vast, meaning there is a home for everything. And now there is an opportunity for these two worlds to meet as they have done in the past. All I can say right now is I can’t wait to feel the electricity in the air as art, artist, and audience are reunited.”
— Kristi-Leigh Gresse