Author: Siyamthanda Mnyiwana

By Siyamthanda Mnyiwana I was born and bred in the city of the National Arts Festival (NAF) – Makhanda! But fest didn’t mean much to me when I was growing up. Every year during festival time, the only thing I looked forward to was the funfair rides and getting the sweet treats that were only available at this time of the year. It was always exciting because my cousins from other provinces would come and visit for the holidays, and we would troop to the fair together. We weren’t really aware of the shows or the purpose of the Fest.…

Show: Aaahh! Nguberhamba, Theatre Venue: Settler’s Monument Building Rehearsal room Next performance: 1 July 2025, 18:00 – 18:55 Review and interview By Siyamthanda Mnyiwana “Aaahh Nguberhamba” is a salutation to the king of the Mfengu clan, amaShweme. It opens a new isiXhosa-language play presented by Walter Sisulu University, written by student, Esenam unako Maja.   The play is set in a village during a time past, referred to as “the colonial period”. The depiction of traditional Xhosa culture and daily village life added an additional layer of interest, particularly to those of us raised in more modern times. The king’s son…

By Siyamthanda Mnyiwana Are you a cultural person who likes traditional attire? Well, if you are at Village Green you are covered. At the Chris Hani district stall in the Eastern Cape craft tent, you will find umbhaco embellished with colourful beads and black braid, as well as beaded shoes and earrings. “I have been selling at the NAF for six years now,” said crafter Yolanda Lelu who also works for the Chris Hani district. Shopping makes you hungry. So head to Rob’s kitchen where Johan Stadler has been working for five years. “Lamb roll is our popular dish,” he…

Aldo Brincat, a 23-year run at this Festival. Photo: Siyamthanda Mnyiwana The Moon Looks Delicious from Here, Theatre Venue: Victoria Theatre Next performance: Sunday 29 June 18:00 By Siyamthanda Mnyiwana and Sindisiwe Tshona The 2025 NAF has got you someone skilled in many arts: Aldo Brincat hails from Cape Town and started writing at the age of 16. His first play Orchids for Moira was performed in his school. He is the winner of multiple awards. He’s been in this field for a very long time and many things have changed during his time of performing his work. “My…

The Fugue of Tjebolang, Theatre Venue: Great Hall Next performance: June 26 2025 20:00 Preview By Siyamthanda Mnyiwana With The Fugue of Tjebolang, director Rehane Abrahams revives a sacred tale from an ancient epic poem from Java, an island where enslaved people were brought by Dutch colonisers. “It is a production that explores sexuality,” said Abrahams of this work that examines how people identify themselves with cast members who are queer. “To audiences, it is trying to send the message that sexuality is normal,” she said. Abrahams said that The Fugue also focuses on spirituality, and looks at the relationship…