Author: Sindisiwe Tshona

Born today-yesterday, Theatre Venue: Rehearsal Room Next performance: Saturday 5 July 16:00 Interview By Sindisiwe Tshona The multi-talented artist, writer, director, producer, and composer Siyabulela Avela Qwalela’s show Born Today-Yesterday has returned to the NAF for a second year running. Qwalela’s work is deeply rooted in storytelling that offers a platform to the voices of communities frequently silenced. From his days as a young artist to his current focus on research-driven narratives, Qwalela’s journey reflects a commitment to exploring untold black experiences and fostering unity within South Africa’s youth. “I’ve been an artist since my youth. Writing came as a…

Umnqophiso The Covenant, Theatre Venue: Centenary Hall Next performance: Wednesday 2 July 19:00 Interview Words and photo by Sindisiwe Tshona Makhanda playwright Nosithembiso Alyce Kuhlane says her emotions are all over the place. There are two main reasons. First, she’s making her debut at the National Arts Festival (NAF) with her first original stage production, Umnqophiso The Covenant, which she wrote, directed and produced herself. Second, the play explores the emotional and spiritual complexities of navigating between Christianity and traditional African beliefs. She was inspired to write the play by the personal confusion that she faced in her own life. “I…

Isilwane Esimnyama: Theatre Venue: Princess Alice Next performance: Tuesday 1 July 18:00 Interview By Sindisiwe Tshona There was a pandemic in South Africa long before COVID, says writer-director Abednigo Dhlamini. Everyone was aware of it – it was in our homes. Dhlamini named it Isilwane Esimnyama. His play explores gender-based violence as a worldwide, long-term, never-ending pandemic. “In society many men are regarded as izilwane, as dogs. As a man, it means I am a dog, I’m a perpetrator in the society. So, we have izilwane in our families, where our fathers become those izilwane when the person that you…

Vox pops Fiddler’s Green Words: Sindisiwe Tshona Photos: Siyamthanda Mnyiwana In recent years, Fiddler’s Green has swelled with eager crowds of young thrill-seekers lining up for the rides and games, especially on weekends. However, when Cue reporters visited the Fiddler’s Green on Sunday, it was very quiet. Could this be because of the new R10 entrance fee for attendees above a certain age, which goes to charity? Or are people awaiting month-end payday? What do festival-goers think? “Fiddlers Green usually gets crowded, but not on Sunday. Most local people are waiting for their pay and children’s grant, which they will…

By Sindisiwe Tshona Thirsty Festival browsers on the Village Green are finding the beer tent has had its guy ropes dismantled by provincial liquor laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol on school premises. An NAF spokesperson told Cue: “While regrettable, there are still many vendors selling non-alcoholic drinks and delicious food. Makhanda has a number of bars and restaurants where visitors will be able to enjoy a beverage of their choice.” Cue felt the temperature where the drinkers’ hay bales used to be. Raymond Harris, Makhanda “I am sad that there is no beer tent, it drew people in.…