The Inaugural HerStory International Theatre Festival at the Soweto Theatre, a breath of fresh air

In days post-covid 19 pandemic where lockdown regulations are been scraped out, it is befitting to take some time off and mingle with theatre fanatics and bask at the talent of women displayed lavishly on stage. On Tuesday the 2nd of August 2022 I took the pleasure of attending the opening reception of  HerStory International Theatre Festival at the Soweto Theatre in Soweto. To say I was impressed, would be an understatement. The truth is I was blessed to sprawl at the talent, prowess and magic of indomitable black women from various countries at the festival. 

This festival is a brainchild of Napo Popo Masheane, the Award-winning creative director, poet, playwright and activist. The opening night further made me appreciate the contributions made by women in our society on daily basis. Having being raised by my grandmother Motlamogadi Makgato and my sister Dikeledi Mothiba, alongside countless aunts, mothers and grandmothers from the village of Makotopong, this festival in my view paid homage to such unsung patriotic women leaders. The line up for the opening night, facilitated by Makgano Mamabolo, was a festive of theatre play Elelwang by Moliehi Didie Makobane, a dance piece Inwele by Lulu Mlangeni and Khaya Ndlovu poetry by Yamoria, live music performance by AbafaziBengOriginal band, documentary screening,  powerful speech delivered by Gail Smith and music by Caroline Borole. 

Speaking about the significance of this festival to The Star's journalist Anita Nkonki, Masheane said: “HerStory International Theatre Festival is my brainchild. It is like the idea of a performing art platform that I created last year. The concept around it is really to have a space for women creatives, artists, theatre makers from different parts of the world to be able to be in one space for seven days.”

Throughout the rendered pieces on stage, there is an occasional burst of spontaneous laughter and applause from the audience. Also there are sprightful women drummers beating the drums of Africa, as if in trance, with vocals and whistles that makes one feel truly African - no doubt it resonates with Women's celebration at the occasion of Women's Month on the South African calendar. The items rendered at the opening were but just a few of those cooked for the entire International Theatre Festival run. Women's Day, 9th of August, marks the anniversary of the great women's march of 1956, where women marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the carrying of pass books. 

This festival actively pursue ways and places in which quality surfaces and stuns us into silence or into language worthy enough to describe our realities no matter how hard or tough they may be. From the lineup, it is possible to try to recognize, identify, applaud the fight for and triumph of quality when it is revealed to us and to let go of the notion that only the dominant culture or gender can make those judgements, identify that quality or produce it. Though the festival ushers the nation into the 1956 Women's March to the Union Building, I feel like we need to have more festivals of this kind where they are centred around women beyond the Women's Month. 

HerStory International Theatre Festival is on from August 1-7 at Soweto Theatre. See the upcoming lineup on their website.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Timeless South African Theatre classic, Woza Albert at Selaelo Maredi Theatre, Alex Theatre Company and Academy, 12th Avenue, Alexandra Township

Image
Hamilton Dhlamini and Thulani Mtshweni brought to life the evils of apartheid through their magnificent stage presence and extraordinary monologues. Their theatrical prowess is showcased by their ability to portray different characters - switching roles between and within the scene with minimal props and costumes. Produced by Ndlondlo Productions, directed by Hamilton Dhlamini and stage managed by Phumeza Damage, this four-decade old play, Woza Albert, was originally written by Percy Mthwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon. This two-hander piece is currently touring South Africa, fresh from Eswatini. It mesmerised audiences in Alexandra Township for two days - 10th and 11th of June 2023 - and the next stop is the Makhanda National Arts Festival.  Thulani Mtshweni and Hamilton Dhlamini. Pic Supplied by Alex Theatre Company and Academy  This uniquely-spirited stage piece brings forth the lived experiences of South Africans during apartheid, which some of the presen
Read more

THE HEAD and THE LOAD, Kentridge's Celebration and Homage to the Africa Soldiers who fought in World War I

Image
The Head and the Load by William Kentridge is currently showing at the Joburg Theatre. Those who are familiar with the Joburg Theatre's Nelson Mandela Theatre will be surprised to be ushered past the auditorium's normal seating into what looks like the backstage of the theatre. Audience members are made to sit on the rostrum as if at the stadium. The title of the piece is inspired by the Ghanaian proverb, "The head and the load are the troubles of the neck." The lyricism, rhythm, and musicality of African languages are full of wisdom and humility; hence, the title builds anticipation and suspense for the potential audience. Poster of the production. Source: The Head and The Load Facebook Page The opening of this tapestry of artistic festivity is punctuated by the phalanx of dancers, actors, musicians and singers performing along what looks like a 500m riverbank, with the audience watching from across the bank.  The stage is the longest I have seen in length, suspend
Read more

Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024: A Vibrant Showcase of Global Art

Image
Stepping into the International Convention Centre Cape Town for this year's edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair felt akin to entering MoMA in New York City, with a bustling crowd eagerly queuing to immerse themselves in the world of art. After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the fair roared back to life, showcasing an incredible variety of booths from across the globe, with a notable emphasis on local artists and galleries. Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024 .  One of the highlights was the impressive array of works by Kimati Mafafo, presented by Ebony Gallery, offering a captivating perspective. However, it was the WALL booth from Cape Town that truly stole the show for me, boasting a stellar collection of South African masters alongside emerging talents, providing a privileged opportunity for the public to engage with these significant works. Kimathi Mafafo, Sisters in Unison III, hand and machine stitched embroidery
Read more