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Author: Anoka Latchmiah
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By Nondumiso Thwala Hosted for the first time at the Albany Museum in Makhanda, this exhibition delves deeply into the intricate relationship between black identity and hair. Lithemba Nziweni’s conceptual photography, informed by documentary techniques, captures the personal stories of various individuals, transforming hair into a powerful social identifier. “I think people should attend my exhibition because it touches on something that is so significant in all our lives, but its significance is often overlooked in societies, and that is hair. My hope is that this exhibition is able to highlight the role that hair plays in our lives,” -…
By Migcobo Majali Captivating with upbeat and vibrant performances, Text Me When You Arrive effectively highlights the impact of gender-based violence on the lives of South African women and children through satire and humour. From the onset of the production, the cast’s stage presence is felt even though the plot is not evident from the beginning. There is, however, a sudden shift in the narrative when they collectively say, “How to not get raped in South Africa!” signalling the beginning of the main narrative. The cast satirically presents 17 steps on how to avoid getting raped and abused in South…
By Migcobo Majali Making Wine in Scotland is a witty play that offers social commentary on the lengths a capitalist society is willing to go to for financial gain. Set in an apocalyptic world where a tree-killing virus poses a risk to the survival of humanity, the narrative follows three characters: Ellis, a scientist who is tasked to create the cure for the virus; Nandi is an engineer who captures Ellis’s heart, she also has a machine that can be a solution to the tree problem; and Celine, a rich and influential capitalist, who is willing to sabotage saving the…
By Valentine Ntusi The much-loved staple of the National Arts Festival, where individuals can grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink with family and friends while soaking up the sun or browse the many arts and crafts on display, and for sale, is once again brimming with festive bliss. A definite stop for any festival goer, the Village Green promises not to disappoint, with many returning favourites, including the festive beer tent. As it is a momentous anniversary for the Festival, there are exciting new additions, including the Arts Junction Corner, where visitors, young and old, are in for…
By Ayabonga Kosi One perennial addition of the National Arts Festival is where magic, mentalism and humour come together. Gqeberha-born magician Brendon Peel is back on stage with his latest offering, Illusionarium. Packed full of tongue-in-cheek comments and brimming with audience participation, Peel continues to entertain while leaving the audience gasping with his magic tricks. Peel keeps his audience amused and enthralled from the start, balancing humour appropriate for young and old audience members. No stranger to the stage and exuding confidence, Peel offers the audience many tricks – ranging from number to mentalism – all while ensuring the audience…
By Rikie Lai Closely following themes resonating with adults and students alike 32 Lavender Close delves into themes relatable to real-life situations and the experience of meeting and living with one another as strangers. Writer/director Andi Colombo skillfully uses lighting to enhance the mood and forge a sense of intensity through the darker themes, including struggles with mental health. Focusing on issues of mental health and exploration of sexuality, this production articulates ideas that mirror reality with themes of cultural circumstances and the internal struggle to understand one’s own sexuality and identity. Performances by Grace Matetoa and Christie Van Niekerk…
By Siliziwe Mahambehlala In the cozy Graham Hotel, a vibrant crowd eagerly awaited as comedian Kate Pinchuck took the stage. From the moment she spoke, her narrative on her mental health and navigating it in her 30’s left the audience heaving with laughter. She effortlessly turned life challenges that most people would find to be taboo into comedic gold. Pinchuck has the ability to poke humour at her audience while remaining on point in her comedy set. While moving in with her parents at the age of 31, with her husband, would be considered unfashionable, she takes that and makes…
By Ayabonga Kosi Renowned South African musician and former Standard Bank Young Artist award winner Guy Buttery has returned to the National Arts Festival, where audiences are in for a treat. Buttery, who has been to many fests, shared his experiences of what he calls a uniquely magical place. Marvelling at the fact that not many festivals make it to 50 Buttery said when people spoke about going to the fest “they mean this one.” According to Buttery Makhanda become a special place during this time of year, showcasing the arts and adding a collaborative spirit to the city and…
By Devon Koen From young to old, there is plenty to see at the National Arts Festival. Families are invited to enjoy heaps of entertainment with theatre productions aimed at children and young people. This year’s family programme promises to meet the expectations of little ones and their parents alike, with bumbling fools, magical quests and enchanting displays of fire on offer. Hopping in on the list of shows to watch, A Froggie Fairytale, on at the Victoria Theatre, sees two pompous characters stumbling and fumbling through a royal palace and its gardens. On their journey, they encounter various enchanted…