By ‘Odidi Matai-Sigudla Patrick Kenny walks on stage. Toto’s ‘Africa’ plays in the background. A desk is placed centre stage with a telephone, papers, and a few stationary essentials strewn atop. Posters are positioned on either side, and at the back stands a coat hanger with various clothing items. Seems like this could be a pretty standard show, right? Well, Yesterday’s Hero, directed by Aaron Mcllroy (a.k.a Spud’s dad), sees Kenny play a haphazard soap opera doctor who accidentally kills a local crime boss. He also takes on the task of narrator and multiple character personas. This Mcllroy and Kenny…
Author: Cue 2023
Read More
By Ruvesen Naidoo Dog Rose; 3rd Generation Coconut; I Bleached my Punani; Passion of the Curry; Baked Shakespeare: As You Like It; Namaste Bae: Blessings and Kombucha; John the Baptist. You may have seen these show titles listed in the 2023 National Arts Festival (NAF) programme, and yes, you did read them correctly. These examples of humorous, and at times absurd, titles can be found to have deliberate thought processes behind their names, making it an essential piece to present contexts prior to watching the show or to draw in audiences. On other occasions, their names fall flat. The title…
By Ruvesen Naidoo Audience members take their seats to the rhythmic beats of Miriam Makeba’s ‘To Those We Love’. The actors are already sitting on the stage ready to begin. It is an odd scene, and we are unsure what to expect. Written and directed by Thabang Gabogope, Going to fetch Ahmed Kathrada, hints at an unveiling of something new, something thought-provoking that would leave a lasting impression, but as the story unfolds it becomes clear that the title creates false expectations. The narrative is based on true events and follows the life of a widower whose daughter encounters racism…
By David Mann Rob van Vuuren emerges from the wings wearing nothing but a loincloth fashioned out of what looks like a scarf he picked up at AfrikaBurn. He’s strung out, wiry. There’s a wild look in his eyes. He is heading straight towards me. Before I know it, my face is in his hands. He’s placing his bare mouth over my glasses – first the left lens, then the right – blowing hot air onto both. He releases me and walks away, leaving me dazed and confused, lenses fogged-up. It’s my fault, really. This is what you get for…
By Arno Cornelissen It feels like I was duped, misled by the title and description of the performance. I recheck the programme; “what is this play about again?” According to the National Arts Festival website, 4:59 follows the story of “two strangers who meet and begin an unlikely friendship… their truths slowly emerge as they stumble forward”. The play sells the idea of something conceptually rich; mystic elements to be explored during the last minute between night and dawn. I was waiting for the mystery, the intrigue. Rather, I am left with endless questions. Why is that shadow of glass…
By Ovayo Milisa Novukela Fashion and accessory lovers recently gathered at the Village Green for Fashion Day, hosted by the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC). Local and provincial delegates from DSRAC and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) showed support to the talented designers who displayed their fashion items. BNS Clothing Director, Zikhona Make, indicated the clothing items on show from across the province that are financially supported by DSRAC. “The department has supported clothing line industries across the province, in which today we can actually show the output of their contribution,” said Make. She also thanked…
By Iviwe Haarmans “There are spirits among us, how fun would it be to play with them?” This expression would chill anyone to their core – a playful experience with the dead is considered impossible by many, except Li Lau. Liau is a world-renowned South African master performer, who debuts his performance, Paranormal Activity, at this year’s Festival. Lau introduces the audience to witch boards, psychic connections, and fortune cards. To dabble in communication with the ethereal may raise one’s scepticism, or command the opposite by enticing the mind. In this case, there is scepticism within the audience, yet they…
By Keren Banza Falling into the rhythms of domestic life doesn’t mean shoving dreams into a closet. Spanish Steps zeroes in on the dissatisfaction of a middle-aged man after spending the ‘best years’ of his life bound to domesticity. The production, written by Gavin Werner, takes audiences on a thought-provoking exploration of the timeline of life. Under the skilled direction of Caroline Midgley, we are invited to question the effects of our decisions and whether we are forever held to them. Barry (Werner), and Maureen (Dianne Simpson), lead us through a journey of self-discovery and redemption – all while stuck…
By Sandile Dudu Saki “The imaginary is what tends to become real”. Surrealist Andre Breton’s words seem to ring true in The House of Cards; what is real, and how does one truly distinguish between realms. Directed by Dion van Niekerk, the experimental one-man piece has many twists and turns in its search for meaning and truth. The performer, named in the programme as Paquot, uses artistry to relay his thoughts; he builds them up, second guesses, demolishes, and rebuilds once more. whilst building, demolishing and rebuilding. The stories are told like parables, thought-provoking and touching at times. The music…
By Ruvesen Naidoo As the Festival adage goes: Was it cringe or was it just part of the Fringe? Once a year, the tranquil town of Makhanda becomes a vibrant hub of commotion and excitement as a symphony of crowds gather to celebrate the arts. Among the diverse artistic endeavours on showcase, one programme stands out for its unconventional approach: The Fringe. This platform attempts to challenge traditional norms and redefine theatrical expression’s boundaries. Distinct from the curated show programme, the Fringe champions independent and experimental performances and productions and has left an indelible mark on the National Arts Festival…