By Keren Banza A burning love fated to be choked by the harsh coldness of reality. Flame in the Snow is a theatre production of selective correspondences between South African poet Ingrid Jonker and writer André Brink. In 2014, Brink offered never-before-seen letters between himself and Jonker for publication. They were released as a book in their original Afrikaans version and later translated into English. The Bryan Hiles-directed production, which takes its name from the English book title, is a theatrical reading of the letters, and features Cara Roberts as Jonker and Mpilo Nzimande as Brink. The scene is set…
Author: Cue 2023
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By Ovayo Milisa Novukela The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) hosted several film screenings at the Film Expo starting this week at the 1820 Settlers’ Monument in Makhanda. More importantly, the ECDC collaborated with the Eastern Cape Film Hub by beginning the programme early with a film screening of uHadi, by Eastern Cape filmmakers Sivubuhle Media and a workshop held at the Joza Youth Hub on 27 and 28 June. The aim of the screening was to expose the Youth of Makhanda to film, while the workshop aimed to teach filmmakers how to create films and the necessary ingredients needed…
By Ovayo Milisa Novukela As a critical partner and sponsor of the National Arts Festival (NAF), the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) hosted a media briefing at The 1820 Settlers National Monument in Makhanda this week to confirm their partnership and collaboration. ECPTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vuyani Dayimani, confirmed that they would continue investing and collaborating with NAF in the years to follow. Dayimani indicated that the Eastern Cape has a lot to offer. “Eastern Cape is our home, and we need to invite people to view what our home has got to offer; it is a…
By Gavin Gaka Well, Selah Liberty Joy went into the forest to hone her flame. Following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, she embarked on a spontaneous journey of self-discovery. In The Story of Fire, Joy unpacks her learnings with the powerful glow of flames as her co-star. The Amazwi Amphitheatre is a fitting arena for this spirited performance. Joy gracefully glides across the platform, showcasing her talents as a ballet dancer. Sporting a costume that pays homage to the flame, she emanates strength through the way she controls both fire and movement. For Joy, fire is reminiscent of the…
By Bukamuso Sebata Dianne Simpson walks onto stage in a bad mood with make-up to match. It’s put on, of course. She’s Clarice, one of the OG Ugly Step Sisters. In The Sister’s Ugly, writer and actor, Simpson treats her audience to a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of the life of Clarice – outside of the classic Cinderella tale. This dramatic comedy musical takes us on a journey through her past, as she grapples with her fate as the villain in Cinderella’s story. The play, infused with music from Queen, One Republic, and Elton John, brings a fresh perspective to…
By Iviwe Haarmans A rainy start to the day might make for a gloomy experience. Fortunately, in Makhanda there is also magic in the air. In Double Bluff: An Extreme Magic Show, Brendon Peel – mentalism extraordinaire and a jack of all magical trades – makes a collaborative appearance with renowned escape artist Li Lau. On a slow morning at Victoria Girls High’s Glennie Hall, the two do not fail to dazzle. Compared to their other show, Magic of Sideshow, this performance is a touch on the experimental side of things while also being more personalised. Here, two friends both…
By Odidi Matai-Sigudla After countless awards and achievements for ground-breaking works, dancer Gregory Vuyani Maqoma and singer-songwriter Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, known professionally as Msaki, will be taking a step back from the stage – choosing the 2023 National Arts Festival as their port of departure. Maqoma’s roots as an artist were laid as an escape from the political tensions of Soweto in the 1980s. Today, he’s become an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, director, scriptwriter, teacher, and founder of Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT). He is known as the ‘trilogy producer’ for a reason, after all. Following collaborations with numerous artists worldwide,…
By Sandile Dudu Saki “Blackness is not an identity created by Black people themselves, but is a tag that is thrust upon those categorised as black by external forces,” proclaims I Bleached my Punani. Historically, a crucial piece of this ‘label’ is hair. Yet, not only is it an identity marker, but a booming business, and economy of its own. From weaves and wigs, to bleaching and hair straightening, the franchise is cemented in politics. Performers, Auxillia Muchavereyi and Nthabiseng Mothibi, unpack the various social orders that surround black hair, using Feminism and Black Consciousness as a springboard from which…
By Anga-Anganda Bushwana In Proudly Problematic, comedians Ayabonga Kene, Caramel Simba, and Ntobeko Ximba come together under the direction of Andy Colombo to present a truly memorable show. The three comedians all deliver short, hilarious sets in the 45-minute performance, sharing narratives of their lives. With a healthy dose of ‘woke-ness’, they talk about everything from their relationships to class dynamics. The first thing you will notice when walking into the venue at Graham Hotel is the Chappies bubblegum on the chair, served as a little snack with some “did you know?” facts inside them. First to take the stage…
By Anoka Latchmiah On a Sunday night at the Graham Hotel, the comedian Jaryd Pillay receives his first ever standing ovation. You may have seen his posters around the streets of Makhanda, they’re hard to miss. Dressed as an Indian Jesus, he holds a glowing curry in his hands. “Because the curry slaps different with silverware,” he describes in the National Arts Festival (NAF) programme. Pillay is no stranger to the Festival. It is here that he’s had the opportunity to test material on different audiences and curate a set that explores themes of cultural displacement, racial cohabitation and his…