Weg Wysers Deur Die Blinkuuur, Visual Art, New Gallery Daily, Curated By Amahle Cele The dimming light of the blinkuur illuminates the timeless works of Standard Bank Young Artist winner, Stephané Edith Conradie, on exhibition at the New Gallery Through a symphony of material keepsakes and ethereal melodies, her pieces take the audience on a journey through the liminal space where the passing of values and the impermanence of life meet. Amidst the fog of memory, her art serves as a way-finder, guiding viewers through the fleeting twilight zone of remembering and forgetting, shining light on the fragility of existence…
Author: Selenathi Botha
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ULTRA Graeme College, Dance & Physical Theatre, June 22, Curated By Nondumiso Thwala The Darkroom Contemporary dance show ULTRA delivers a unique and immersive experience. With an intricate blend of sound and technology which enhances the live performance and creates an awareness that becomes apparent as you focus on the visual and sensory tapestry that is ULTRA. The sound, projections, and dance moves together tell a compelling story and draws the audience into the narrative. The performers use meditation and intense physicality, resulting in an engaging sonic and visual experience. Unique sounds are produced by the cast which highlights the…
By Tanya Maswaure Straight from the stage, Pichi Keane took a short walk with us as she talked us through her process, thoughts, and ultimate essentials in our special Artist Walkabout. The festival returner and assigned female at birth (AFAB) drag queen has had her fair share of Makhanda and the festival but is still coming back for more. The 50th National Arts Festival is her second appearance as a singing queen, but for her, it is a uniquely special one. “It’s been incredible!” she said as we sat by the bar. “I think obviously COVID did a number on…
Angel Ho – Dis My KANT, Performance Art, Kingswood Theatre, Curated Programme, By Farirai Dangwa A display of Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent, or KANT, made a scene on the stage of Kingswood Theatre with Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Angel Ho, setting the stage ablaze with a performance that can only be described as gripping and absorbing. As one show is never the same, there was anticipation in the air, waiting to see what Angel Ho had in store for the audience. It was entertaining from start to finish, from the excitedly unexpected entrance on a Harley-Davidson to…
Prepare your appetite for red-blooded hilarity Comedy Victoria Theatre, June 23 – 29, Fringe By Siliziwe Mahambehlala Written and directed by Craig Freimond, A Vegan Killed My Marriage is a one-man show that delves into Aaron Mcilroy’s personal journey as he transitions from a man who was once obsessed with meat to a vegan. The production takes the audience through the experiences and challenges he faced in his transition. Mcilroy presents his journey with wit and humour, while showcasing his ability to make the audience laugh through physical gestures. Throughout the show, he candidly mentions the disagreements he has had…
By Ovayo Novukela Moments of reflection and times of celebrations marked the official opening of the annual National Arts Festival on Thursday night. Hosted at the 1820 Settlers Monument, the event saw various dignitaries, senior government officials and excited members of the public gather to mark the official start of the 50th instalment of the festival. With dance performances, cultural programmes and entertainment marking the evening, the jam-packed Guy Buttler Auditorium rattled with excitement. Speaking at the event, Makana Local Municipality Mayor, Yandiswa Vara, congratulated the organisers of the National Arts Festival (NAF) for achieving the significant milestone. “The National…
Visual Art, 1820 Settlers National Monument, Daily 9am-5pm, with scheduled walkabouts available, Curated By Afikile Kopo Open to everyone, from art and history lovers to anthropologists and locals A LUTA CONTINUA: Reflecting on 30 years of democracy through the Constitutional Court Art Collection, currently on display at the 1820 Settlers National Monument offers the viewer a an artistic glimpse into the past 30 years of democracy. The exhibition starts at the alcove ground floor of the Monument and goes all the way to the top floor. Catherine Kennedy, the manager of the Constitutional Court Trust, led a walkabout through the…
By Selenathi Botha Kagisano, a Makhanda-based non-governmental organisation, last week handed over certificates to TEM Mrwetyana Secondary School learners and ward 2 committee members for training in conflict resolution management. The Kagisano project started in 2021 and is led by Mbulelo Lepile. The project was initially known as Promotion of Social Cohesion and Preventing Collective Violence, but it was later given the Setswana name Kagisano, meaning working together\building together. Kagisano started a programme offering training in conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity and also dealing with issues of conflict. TEM Mrwetyana and other school children with ward 2 committee members participated. They…
By Selenathi Botha and Luvuyo Mjekula ActionSA went on a ‘first-of-its-kind’ sanitation tour in Makhanda recently, led by the party’s Team FixSA member for infrastructure Michael Beaumont and provincial chairperson Athol Trollip. With the collapse of sanitation infrastructure in South Africa, ordinary South Africans across the country have had to live in inhumane conditions as untreated sewage continues to pour into their homes, nearby rivers and oceans, the party said in a statement before the tour. “This tour will not only highlight the magnitude of the problem, but detail how an ActionSA government can fix our broken sanitation infrastructure, restore…
By Selenathi Botha and Luvuyo Mjekula You probably have a vague idea what happens to the extra R2 you pay a KFC cashier whenever you place an order at the fast food chain – because almost always, the cashier tells you it is for children. I bet you wonder which children, right? Well, so that you are clear, in Makhanda, the money goes to the 21 learners of Eluxolweni Child and Youth Care Centre. They are the official beneficiaries of your R2. And what best way to show gratitude and appreciation to the people who tirelessly make these donations than…