NAF Spotlight 2 July by HeraldLIVE

Hashtag: #NAF2019 Website: www.heraldlive.co.za

Spotlight on

VILLAGE GREEN P6&7

Photograph: WERNER HILLS

Your official National Arts Festival guide

Tuesday July 2 2019

Spotlight

The Herald

AMY JEPHTA – P12 PERFORMER’S PICKS – P2

Festival 2019 Makhanda

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday July 2 2019

PERFORMER’S PICKS

FRINGE THEATRE

Beautiful fantasy and dark comedy Comedian Andrew Simpson returns to the National Arts Festival with his hit murder comedy show, Death of a Donut. A now international act, Simpson spoke to Spotlight about his top-five picks to look forward to during the “11 days of Amazing”.

Electric Juju

BRILLIANT WORK: Tony Bonani Miyambo takes the role of Red Peter in ‘Kafka’s Ape’

CAPTIVATING look at humanity KAFKA’S APE, featuring Tony Bonani Miyambo, (St Andrew’s Hall). July 2 at 4pm and July 3 at 8.30pm. If there is anything to be said about Kafka’s Ape, it’s that it is as captivating, incredibly engaging, and almost beyond words. Centred on the life of Red Peter, played by Tony Miyambo, this riveting one-man show brings the audience on a journey of the ape’s attempt at escaping captivity. At its heart, the piece seeks not

to answer the question of humanity, but to ask it. What is it that makes us human? Is it physical, something on the skin, or something more? And while thoughts like these are interspersed throughout the play, their essence is no more poignantly expressed than in Miyambo’s impeccable characterisation of Red Peter. From the gruff voice filled with primate intonation, to the way he

I saw Rob van Vuuren’s show in 2018 and it was the first time that I attended the National Arts Festival not doing shows. The show makes beautiful use of fantasy. I am very excited to see it again this year.

Springbok Nude Girls

moves with back hunched and fingers curved, Miyambo fully inhabits the role of Red Peter, even going as far as to pick fleas out of an audience member’s hair. Careful and effortlessly engaging, Kafka’s Ape stands tall as an intelligent piece of theatre that turns the abstract thought into frightening physicality. Catch this brilliant, thoughtprovoking show before it’s gone. –

They are always good – and it will be nice to see them reunited for another show. I am looking forward to that, it will be amazing.

Roccococko I have seen Richard Cock and Rocco de Villiers separately in different shows. It will be nice to see them together. I am sure it will be a beautiful night indeed.

Loyiso Madinga I have seen some of his work on TV before, but I have not seen him live. I think he is an amazing comedian.

Dangled This is also a Rob van Vuuren show. I would recommend this, but it’s not for the faint-hearted, but I really enjoyed it. I thought it was interesting and I loved the dark comedy and the message behind it. I thought it was brilliant and very well performed.

TERRIFIC DUO: Rocco de Villiers and Richard Cock join forces in ‘Roccococko’

Jason Maseko

Bolts from the blue and elsewhere ... From a misplaced arrow to a displaced roof, the National Arts Festival in Makhanda never fails to dish up surprises – even jolts that are not on the programme. Makhanda’s strong winds on Monday proved to be a fiddler on the roof even through that is one show not being staged in the city.

A piece of skylight from the roof of the Monument was dislodged and fell the equivalent of nearly six storeys, claiming centre stage when it landed in the Sundowner Concert venue in the heart of the building, leaving a deep gash in the floor. Festival CEO Tony Lankester said engineers and repair teams

Opposite the Arch 38 Somerset Street Grahamstown www.oppositethearch.co.za

Set in a vibey courtyard Major Fraser’s provides an escape from everyday life

FRINGE COMEDY

Ullman not everyone’s cup of comedy

Wood Fired Oven | Craft Beers Gin on Tap | Delicious Food Monday - Saturday: 11am-10pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm For Bookings please contact Mo: 046 004 0006

The Barista Sisa is an authentically African coffee shop run by the much loved Sisa. Freshly baked breads, homemade savoury bites, sweet treats and the very best coffee in town! Open Monday - Sunday 7am - 5pm

were called in. On Sunday, escape artist Li Lau narrowly escaped serious injury when a timing issue resulted in his head being grazed by an arrow fired from a contraption he uses during his show Carnival Sideshow and Other Magical Things. “I am fine,” Lau said afterwards. – Devon Koen

Milk & Honey Hair & Beauty salon and Beautiful Things gifts stocks local brands including Shelley Taylor Jewellery, Mieks Knickers and Madame Luna Candles. Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday: 8:30AM - 2:00PM For an appointment call: 046 622 3368 / 079 296 2844

Artificially Infeminated, Jittery Citizens, (Library Hall). July 2 at 6pm Although she shares the same surname as famed British comedienne Tracy Ullman, Claudine Ullman – in her debut one-woman stand-up comedy show – might not be to everyone’s taste. Riddled with under-the-belt comedy which raises questions about womanhood, being white and being Jewish, this act in some aspects lacks the tongue-in-cheek funniness expected from a stand-up comedy piece. However, hats off to Ullman who tried to bring the show to life and present it in a way that is engaging and entertaining. Using the audience as part of the

show, is what makes this act a bit more fun. Although, if you are not a willing participant, then rather stay clear from Ullman’s sights as she is ruthless in forcing you to take part. Questioning the relationship between men and woman, gym and the lack of enthusiasm to actually go to gym, and the ever-present doubt in one’s own abilities, Ullman tries to get the groove going by introducing other characters to her act – some funny, and others not. Hell-bent on wanting an acting career as illustrious as Charlize Theron, Ullman brings to her act something seen before, but nevertheless still entertaining. – Devon Koen

CLAUDINE ULLMAN

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday July 2 2019

❢●● all the moves

FRINGE THEATRE

YOU SHOULD BE DANCING: After the sensational hits ‘Alchemy of Rock’ and ‘Elton and Friends’, FollowSpot brings their latest live singing show to get you dancing in your seats. Featuring boy-candy Liam McDermott, sensational dancing by the rest of the FollowSpot team adds the cherry on the cocktail! Directed by Vanessa Harris and choreographed by Ash Searle, the music is performed by Liam McDermott with featured artists Ash Searle, Brad Searle, Vanessa Harris and Liam McDermott. It’s on until 6 July Picture: MARK WESSELS

STILL, LIV Studios, (Rehearsal Room). July 2 at 2.30pm, July 3 at 7.30pm, July 4 at 4.30pm, July 5 at 7.30pm and July 6 at 12pm. Hauntingly provocative and emotionally evocative, Still, written and directed by Olivia Fischer, brings with it a narrative all too familiar and also all too real for many survivors of sexual assault. With this backdrop, raw emotions are laid bare, the human condition is questioned and everyone is left feeling the angst skilfully portrayed by three very talented performers. From the onset of this stellar piece of theatre the audience is gripped by the story – at first trying to figure out exactly what has happened and then trying to decipher

MAIN VISUAL ART

Stunningly diverse reflection of SA reality Social Reflections, curated by Churchil Madika, (Foyer, Albany History Museum). From 9am to 5pm until July 7 True to its name, this exhibition coerces its audience into a state of reflection on the past, present and future – and where is a better place to do this than at the Albany History Museum? This interesting choice of setting allows visitors to move in between the museum’s historical artifacts and the artists’ reflections on contemporary and historical society. The exhibition is hosted by the Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts and culture and houses works from artists across the province – shedding light on how our perceptions of reality and society are shaped by our circumstances, environment and status. The exhibition, then, becomes an artistic response to South Africa’s social, political and religious history, as well as the issues each artist is grappling with. This is a stunningly diverse, striking and engaging exhibition of some of the Eastern Cape’s most talented artists. - Ophelia Milton

Haunting narrative may be all too real for some how to react emotionally as the narrative takes a few twists and turns, culminating in an ending which leaves you questioning your own ability to cope under the circumstances presented. Cloe, 17, a swimming sensation, and her best friend Aaron go to a house party – she wants to be seen as herself and not just as a swimmer, while Aaron is hesitant. But at the party, something happens. The production begins with Cloe, played by Ashley de Lange, being interviewed by the police where she tries to remember the events at the house party. Aaron, played by Brett Ilsley, and Julia, played by Megan Oberholzer, follow suit.

What comes next is an intricately woven story of how the three characters deal with what is revealed as the narrative continues. De Lange is spectacular in her performance – she spends most of the production partially submerged in water in a glass box. Ilsley and Oberholzer take on their roles brilliantly, bringing to the forefront the various emotions they have to deal with in coping with what happened at the house party and the consequences thereafter. “He’s the victim, and I’m the drunk girl” are words which will haunt the audience for a while after experiencing this unnerving yet wonderful piece of art. – Devon Koen

Township sounds transporting Standard Bank Jazz & Blue Café (Saints Bistro), further sessions featuring other artists at this venue are on July 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 10.30pm. Saints Bistro is not your usual everyday Makhanda experience. It is filled with blue and red lighting and, on this occasion last Thursday, the audience was awakened and entertained by introductory sounds of the first to third valve of the trumpet of Fredrik Noren. Deep bass sounds from Shaun

Johannes stretch to and from your face. And the smooth movement of Murray Buitendag’s trombone is reminiscent of what a fine wine would probably sound like. The trumpet transports you into the township sounds of Bra Hugh Masekela. It moves you from your comfort zone into the isolated peripheral sounds of minor notes of jazz so blue. A song titled Mankunku pays tribute to SA tenor sax player Win-

ston “Mankunku” Ngozi and takes you deep into the edges of township sounds. If there was soil on stage, dust would fill the air, evoking the nostalgia of Sophiatown. In this performance, endless chapters of blue keyboard notes duck and dive to the beating of drums with Nicholas Williams on piano and Kevin Gibson on drums. Look out for other sessions at this relaxed jazz venue this week. – Thandolwethu Gulwa

SAINTS BISTRO: The Standard Bank Jazz & Blue Café

The Standard Bank Ovation Awards are given to productions on the Fringe that demonstrate artistic innovation and excellence. The jury seeks out productions that have the courage to open new conversations through the arts.

TODAY’S WINNERS: NGUVU YA MBEGU

ABENGCONGOLO COLLECTIVE

FRIZZ POP

UMTHOMBO

AMANDLA DANCA TEATRO ZA

SAXMAN

FRIZZ POP COMEDY

ANDREW YOUNG & BAND

HOW TO BE A POLITICIAN IN SOUTH AFRICA - 2019

THE SYRINGA TREE

MAKI HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD

PREVIOUS WINNERS: A PLACE OF KNOWING

INTSUSA IN COLLABORATION WITH THEATREDUO

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

Matter of fact On June 30, in the review of “Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Metaphors", presented by the University of Pretoria Drama Department Wilhelm Disbergen is credited as the director. Khutjo Green, as indicated in the programme, is the director. Wilhelm was the designer. Spotlight regrets the error.

LOST & FOUND

MATCHBOX THEATRE COLLECTIVE AND THEATRE ON POINTE

QUAVA VOCAL GROUP UNFATHOMABLE

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AND THE BIG BAD METAPHORS UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

MOTHER EARTH NAN HUA TEMPLE

TATS IS CANCELLED

SIV NGESI PRODUCTIONS

YOU SHOULD BE DANCING FOLLOWSPOT PRODUCTIONS

Festival 2019 Makhanda

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday July 2 2019

STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 5.

Long road to festival for US master Tseliso Monaheng Following years of endless preparation to get his band to SA for a series of gigs with the esteemed trumpeter bra Feya Faku, US-based master drummer Jeff Siegel found himself having to improvise. Bra Feya experienced personal loss a week before their SA tour, which set off a health condition that barred him from gigging. Devastated but not deterred, Jeff marched on in true-school jazzhead fashion; he roped in Robin FassieKock for some dates, and also fraternised with bra Sidney Mavundla, with whom he’s playing at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival this year. “I actually met [Feya Faku] in Woodstock, New York, briefly and then a few months later, over here [in SA] when I played at the festival. “We became friends, and talked about doing a project – which we did. We recorded about two years later [and] did a tour a year later in New York. And so we’ve been trying to come here for these five years. “Now it’s finally happened except, very unfortunately, there was a lot of stresses going on in [Feya’s] life,” he says over the phone from Makhanda. “I had built in a couple of days off for the band to rest [during the trip], and we ended up just having to rehearse with these guys. “Both Sidney and Robyn did a wonderful job, learning the music

JEFF SIEGEL

really quickly and just fitting in beautifully. But it was tiring for the band because we never had a chance to fully rest,” he continues. Siegel considers it an honour and a privilege nonetheless, and sounds excited about playing. He speaks about previous gigs in Jozi, and workshops in Pretoria and Mbabane, Swaziland. “The thing that has always struck me the most about the elders is their commitment to the music, first

and foremost, and at such a high level, and to aspire to be consistent and to be as strong as possible, and to have integrity,” is his response about the role of mentorship in his long stretched-out career thus far. “Everybody does it their own way. I’ve done it through both teaching and playing; it’s really hard to do it playing, it’s almost impossible. Luckily, I love to teach. “Every once in a while I get the energy to just put a whole lot of

time and work into putting together something like this tour. It’s a monumental amount of work. In particular, this tour is the hardest thing I think I’ve ever undertaken,” he says. The financial muscle it took to pull it off was made possible through individual contributions of all the band members -- applying for grants, getting them, and deciding where to slot what, and how. “But it all worked out great. I think I’ll need a travelling account-

ant. It was so involved, financially,” he jokes. The master’s current band features tenor saxophonist Erica Lindsay and pianist Francesca Tanksley. “They can hold their own with anybody. They are unbelievable.” He remains upbeat that the recording he made with bra Feya Faku will be performed in Mzansi at some point in the future. “We’re not giving up. I know I’m gonna need to recover from all the work I did. I have to try again man. He’s my brother and ... I don’t like to give up on anything, I don’t like to fail. So I just always keep trying. And that’s what it takes; it’s tenacity to have a career in this music.” Jeffery Siegel is a formidable talent who came into the New York jazz scene at the dawn of the 80s as part of the late Arthur Rhames’ quintet. He’s since established himself over the years; he counts the don Ron Carter and drummer extraordinaire Jack DeJohnette among his mentors and collaborators. He is also involved in the academy, and teaches at three separate institutions, including The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. He promises to perform songs from King of Xhosa, the album he recorded with bra Feya in 2017. ● Jeff Siegel and his sextet featuring Sydney Mavundla performs at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival in the DSG Hall at 8.30pm on July 2.

Trick of the Light Theatre presents

THE BOOKBINDER A story of mystery, magic and mayhem

VICTORIA THEATRE

30 June (12:00) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 July (10:00) 7 July (10:00 & 12:00)

Clothing SPOTLIGHT ON VILLAGE GREEN

Tuesday July 2 2019

Hats, sticks, art and hippy

Naziziphiwo Buso

Buson@tisoblackstar.co.za

COOL CAT: Nicci Loizou, left, and Sian Townsend admire the wooden craftwork at a stall on the Village Green

Ranging from peculiar hats and wooden sticks to exotic hippy clothes, virtual readings and food from around the globe, the Village Green stalls at the National Arts Festival at the Victoria Girls’ High School grounds have something for everyone – and their distant aunt. This is the aspect of the festival where craftsmen and women can showcase their artistic handiwork by exhibiting pieces of fine art, handmade glass objects and upcycled goods, while a “food court” and beer tent are always well populated. At the food stalls on Sunday, where you can sample anything from Chinese to Greek food to the more regular wors and steak rolls, hungry visitors formed long queues. Spotlight visited some of the stall-holders to ask how business had been after the huge influx of festinos at the weekend when temperatures on Sunday

soared to an unseasonal 26°C. Grant Foong, of Foong’s Food Trucks, said the response to his stall at the weekend was amazing. “People here are embracing the food that we are serving – we have had a good four days [so far] but the weather has had an impact on sales as today [Monday] has been a bit slow,” he said. Late on Saturday, Foong’s had only chow mein left to sell. “We are grateful for the rain but we would like to see more sunshine – this always makes people eat,” Foong said. Cape Town-based artist Ndodiphela Ntuntwana said the weekend had been great for his traditional art-themed porcelain dishes. “Friday and Saturday were great days for me, however, Sunday and Monday have been quiet.” “We can see if from Wednesday, business will pick up again – this is usually the trend at festival.” Crochet and hemp artist Logikal Magaman said business had been slow for him but he remained

upbeat. “Although it has been quiet for me over the weekend, the response from people has been positive in terms of comments and I am optimistic about future sales,” Magaman said. “My bags have been selling today [Monday] and people have ordered shoes in terms of their sizes,” he said. Another Cape Town-based upcycle artist, Innocent Kayombo, said after the weekend he was optimistic about business. “I had a very busy weekend as someone bought 23 paintings alone. “Another family from Mthatha bought eight pieces of art,” Kayombo said. While happy about weekend sales, beadwork artist Dumisani Muzeza, from Zimbabwe, said he was worried about sales as the weather was changing. “Today [Monday] the wind is making it difficult to exhibit and people are scared to leave their places because of the cold,” he said.

TALK ABOUT VERSATILE: Kirsti Burmeister, 16, from East London, with the ‘33 ways reverse dress’ by Amy Rose Apparel

Pictures: WERNER HILLS LIGHT RELIEF: Nina Gouws, 15, left, and Mea Coetzer, 12, examine the beadwork on sale

FOR THE BIRDS: Luphelo Loliwe sells recycled metal objects

BRUSHING UP: Zimbabwe-born artist Francis Sibanda, from Port Elizabeth, with his paintings

WORLD OF COLOUR: Matthew Lister from the stall Monkeys Raindance, shows off some of the wares

NEW LIFE AS ART: Manners Mukuwiri with the products he makes from recyled material

SHOPPERS’ PARADISE: The Village Green at the National Arts Festival is a hive of activity with buskers entertaining the crowd and lots of stalls to browse through

TRUE TO LIFE: Artist Terese Lusengu with her paintings

CHOICES, CHOICES: Anne Pabel, Ryan Allan, Allu Laue and Kharys Laue take a break at the ‘food court’ on the Village Green at Victoria Girls’ High School in Makhanda

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday July 2 2019

❢●● body beautiful

MAIN DANCE

CUTE FACTOR: Thirdyear Rhodes University art student Wynona Mutisi’s reduction relief print, titled ‘FilteredArt’ (part of her series against sexism), on display at the university’s fine art department’s exhibition Picture:

Spiritual narrative told through dance Spirit Child, featuring Qudus Onikeku, (Great Hall). July 2 at 11 am. This dance production boasts a strong spiritual narrative which is wrapped around music as a kind of propeller. The smell of incense ushers the crowd into the venue and feeds the Spirit Child. “We are going to agree to go on a journey. This is not a show. On this journey, knowledge won’t help you,” Nigerian-born choreographer and solo dancer, Qudus Onikeku, warns. Spirit Child is a round, non-linear performance rooted as firmly as aloe succotrina plants in the Eastern Cape. It is an authentic and naturally flowing show which showcases the space of the living, the space of ancestors, and the space of the unborn Spirit Child. You are indeed warned of the deliberate and intentional dragging periods of boredom. The themes include reincarnation and celebration of our African diaspora’s fallen heroes. Onikeku commemorates these fallen heroes including Chinua Achebe, Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela, Steve Biko, Maya Angelou, Fela Kuti, John Coltrane and Chris Hani, to name a few. The remarkable footwork of for-

GILLIAN McAINSH

ROUND TIME: Qudus Onikeku in ‘Spirit Child’ Picture: SAGACITY STUDIO ward movement is almost as incredible as Michael Jackson’s moon walk. Onikeku’s arm movements of a caged bird spreading its wings free, conveys the image of the wingspan of the Yoruba tribe’s spirit child. The performance is almost supernatural with intense tones of music transforming it into a new visual order. Reincarnation completes the incomplete process. You don’t want to miss it. – Thandolwethu Gulwa

2019

.JLF 7BO (SBBO T

5XP 5P 5BOHP 89&77.3, 5&:1 ): 94.9 8:* ).*5*;**3 a ).7*(9*) '> .7& '1&3(0*3'*7,

TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 10:00 11:00

EXPLORING TECH IN THEATRE STORYTELLING

As the world of technology becomes more exciting, new ways of exploring the art of story-telling are unfolding. How can future artists, writers and directors make use of technology to enhance the creative art of telling their stories? This is the cornerstone of the lecture that writer/director Justin Wilkinson will be presenting as he demonstrates how using technology elements can enhance performances.

11:30 12:00

Vernacular Algorithms

15:00 16:30

Art-duino Workshop

!3'( -#/'

.YP] $ .YP] $

African vernacular knowledges reveal a deep regionality in the techne culture of particular cultural forms. In an extended community research encounter with Dr. Bristow, Alex Coehlo, Russel Hlongwane, Joao Roxo an unpacking of vernacular algorithms and algorithmic thinking explored patterns in vernacular and traditional artwork from KwaZulu and Mozambique. In extension and alongside a presentation on the 2018 Fak’ugesi Festival theme “Tap Your Afro Source Code” and the ‘Digital Imaginaries: Premonition’ exhibition at the Wits Art Museum, Dr. Bristow presents on this research in relation to the histories of ethno-mathematics and algorithmic thinking from Africa. Explore the creative space where programming, design and art meet. In this informative hands-on workshop, you will explore the introductory elements of Arduino and programme your own unique artwork. During the workshop, participants will learn to code simple graphics on an RGB matrix of Neopixels. Using geometric, graphic and animatic functions, complex creative and expressive sequences will be built from simple building blocks which will be taught during the session. The best designs will then be displayed on the National Arts Festival’s wall-sized giant LED matrix.

Thomas Pringle Hall * Monument ALL TALKS AND WORKSHOPS FREE OF CHARGE * EXHIBITIONS OPEN DAILY

Well Worn Theatre Company

SWARM THEORY

Various Venues around Makhanda 4 July - 7 July

Brought together by their quality and imagination, the works on the Festival’s Curated Programme offer a special insight into the practices of culture makers and the ways they seek to heal wounds, articulate experience, and navigate pathways through the situations in which we as humans find ourselves.

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday July 2 2019

DAILY LISTING: TUESDAY JULY 2 09:00 z

Phulaphulani Writing Workshop (Workshop) School of Languages .................................139

Fingo Festival (Multi-discipline) Fingo Square ...........................................140

10:00 (W)asem (Theatre) Masonic Back ................178 z #selflove (Theatre) Dicks ........................170 z Bubble Show. Maxwell the Bubbleologist (Family Theatre) Kingswood Theatre ..........204 z Candongueiro (Dance) Centenary Hall ......209 z Fruit (Theatre) Gymnasium ......................161 z iGruffalo (Family Theatre) Glennie Hall .....205 z Ithongo the Dream (Theatre) City Hall .....163 z Lambs to the Laughter (Comedy)

13:00 z Faure Requiem (Music) Rhodes Chapel ...218 z Forever Young (Theatre) Bowling Club .....160 z JR Nkosi Duo (Music) Graham Hotel ........222 z Tears of a Woman (Theatre) B2 Arena ....172 z Organ Recital 1: Stephen Holder (Spiritfest) Commem Methodist Church ........................234

Library Hall ..............................................186 Lerato (Theatre) NG Kerk Hall ..................165 Malope (Music Theatre) PJ’s .................215 Ordentlik (Theatre) B2 Arena ................. 167

Raiders: The Fallen Crown (Theatre)

z z

St Andrew’s Hall .......................................169 z

The Blue Period of Milton van der Spuy (Theatre) Princess Alice Hall ......................156 The Roles of Intellectual Property and Diversity in the Cultural and Creative Industries (Talk, Debate) NELM Theatre ..130 uFlorence noWatson neMpuku yoMoba (Family Theatre) Drill Hall ......................204 Umnotho The Economy (Theatre) Masonic Front ..........................................174

Veronica’s Monster (Family Theatre) Memory Hall ............................................205

BASA Scale-up Workshop (Workshop) NELM Activity Room ..................................140

Book launch: Death and Compassion (Wordfest) Eden Grove .............................143 Life in Art (Visual Art Workshop)

13:30 Artifice with Stuart Lightbody (Illusion)

The Hangar ...............................................37

11:00 z bATTLES! - Iimfazwe - Transportation to the Past (Dance) Site Specific .............208 z Spirit Child (Dance) Great Hall ...................59 z The Return of the Cypher ( Hip Hop Festival) The Black Power Station .............................136 z

David Manning Stained Glass Windows Tour (Spiritfest) Cathedral .......................234

11:30 Robby Collins Live (Comedy) Drill Hall ...194 z uFlorence noWatson neMpuku yoMoba (Family Theatre) Nompumelelo Hall ..........204 z Book launch: Broken River Tent (Wordfest) Eden Grove .............................143 z

12:00 z Amy (2015) (Film) Olive Schreiner .............126 z Angola: Camp 13 (Music Theatre) Rhodes z z

Theatre .....................................................82 Arranged Marriage (Theatre) Dicks ........155

Bubble Show. Maxwell the Bubbleologist (Family Theatre) Kingswood Theatre ..........204 Carnival Sideshow and Other Magical Things (Illusion) Masonic Back .................201 Fundisa’s Fabulous Adventure (Family Theatre) Gymnasium ...................205 Hinterland (Walkabout) Rhodes School of Fine Art Studio Gallery 1 ............................72 Medusa Incarnate (Theatre) Masonic Front ......................................................166

Once Upon a Time (Family Theatre) Memory Hall ............................................205

Schubert and Brahms Trios (Music) Beethoven Room ........................................95 Silkworm (Theatre) Princess Alice Hall ........................................................172

Sound Word, A Woman in Prayer (Poetry / Storytelling) Masonic Front ........224 The Boy Who Cried Ninja (Family Theatre) Memory Hall ..................204 The Chocolate Chronicles (Comedy)

Library Hall ..............................................184 The Holy Ghost (Theatre) PJ’s ...............162

Qudud Onikeku - Who Am I? (Talk)

NELM Lecture Hall .....................................134 Xova (Theatre) Victoria Theatre .................178 XXL (Theatre) St Andrew’s Hall .................178

14:30 Hotel Called Memory (Film) Olive

Still (Theatre) Rehearsal Room .................172 Time of your Life: The 90’s (Theatre) Bowling Club ............................................174

Drawing 101 (Visual Art Workshop) Carinus Annex ..........................................232

15:00 z Nomabotwe (Music) Graham Hotel ...........222 z RoccoCocko (Music) Beethoven Room .......96 z The Maxhoba Village: Lost Tribe (Theatre) B2 Arena .................................................165 z

Troubadours - Tribute to James Taylor & Carole King (Music Theatre) Lowlander ...217 Umxhentso Wamamfengu (Dance) Sundowner Stage .....................................213

Winging It! The Turbulent Revelations of Meghan & Shivan (Theatre) Princess Alice

....

178

15:30 z Again! (Comedy) Drill Hall ........................44 z Benny Bushwhacker (Comedy) z z

Flying Solo (Family Theatre) Memory Hall ..............................................52

z z z

20:30 I Love My Slave (Film) Olive

Joel Leonard does scenes from Hamlet (Theatre) Masonic Back 1............................63 Kafka’s Ape (Theatre) St Andrew’s Hall .......................................163 Lost & Found (Dance) PJ’s ....................211 Paper (Film) Olive Schreiner .....................225 PG_13 (Music) Slipstream ......................223 The Boat (Dance) Great Hall ......................60

The Young Scientist (Dance)

Glennie Hall .............................................213 Two To Tango (Comedy) Gymnasium .......196

BASA Scale-up Workshop (Workshop)

Rehearsal Room .........................................38 Young Sino_SA (Music) Slipstream .........224

Poetry and Mindfulness (Workshop)

NELM Activity Room ..................................139 Be Still and Know (Spiritfest) NG Kerk ....233

16:30 z A Crying orphan (Theatre) Rehearsal

NELM Activity Room ..................................140

Room .....................................................158

Schreiner Hall ...........................................225 z

Jeff “Siege” Siegel Sextet (Jazz)

Samantha’s Dubious History of Musical Comedy (Music Theatre)

DSG Hall .................................................112

Beethoven Room ......................................216

Sounds Like You and Me (Theatre)

Book launch: To Survive and Succeed (Wordfest) Eden Grove .............................143

When Coasts Meet (Theatre)

Sweet is the Fruit of the Prickly Pear (Spiritfest) Cathedral Coffee Shop ..............233

18:00 A Faint Patch of Light (Theatre)

Gymnasium .............................................172 Rehearsal Room .......................................178

21:00 z Claude Samuel (Music) Graham Hotel .....220 z Holy Communion (Theatre) B2 Arena ......161 z Khuluma Mngoma (Theatre) NG Kerk Hall ............................................163 z

Angola: Camp 13 (Music Theatre) Rhodes Theatre ..........................................82

z z z

Artificially Infeminated (Comedy) Library Hall ..............................................181 Currently (G)old (Theatre) St Andrew’s Hall ........................................................159

Jeremiah fyah Ises & the Baakahyaad Band (Music) Slipstream .........................221 The Adventures of Robert Moffat (Dance) Centenary Hall .............................208 The Drakensberg Boys Choir Live in Concert (Music) Guy Butler Theatre .90 The Fundamental: Life Goes On (Theatre) City Hall ...................................161 The Holy Ghost (Theatre) PJ’s ...............162 The Trickster (Illusion) Masonic Back .......202 Umnotho The Economy (Theatre) Masonic Front ..........................................174

18:30 A Religion Apart (Theatre)

Rehearsal Room .......................................169 Interlaced (Performance Art) Cathedral of St Michael and St George .............................67

19:00 Bijou (Comedy) Kingswood Theatre ...........182 z Confessions of a Mormon Boy (Theatre) z

Graeme College ..........................................33 Dangled (Theatre) Drill Hall ....................159 Duende (Music) Lowlander .....................221

Eastern Cape Jazz Showcase (Music) Nombulelo Hall ...........................................88

z z

How to be a Politician in South Africa 2019 (Comedy) Bowling Club ..................186 It’s About 2 (Theatre) NG Kerk Hall ..........163 Seasons: Dorothy Masuka Songbook in the style of Vivaldi (Music) Victoria Theatre ..........................................97

The Wolves (Theatre) Alec Mullins ...........178 This is my house, Kukwami la (Theatre)

Tsholofelo (Music) Graham Hotel

B2 Arena .................................................172 .............224

19:30 Searle@ Noluthando (Performance Art)

Noluthando Hall ..........................................67

The Gospel According to Jan Coetzee (Theatre) Princess Alice Hall ......................161 The Mother of All Eating (Theatre)

Widows (Film) Noluthando Hall .................129

The Hangar ...............................................37

20:00 All Gone (Theatre) Masonic Back .............155 z All Who Pass (Theatre) Rhodes Box ...........27 z Mvumbo ya vharema (Dance) PJ’s ........211 z 20:00 Nipho and Sophiatown (Music) Slipstream .............................................. 222 z Tell Us More (Comedy) z

Library Hall ..............................................194 z

The Boat (Dance) Great Hall.......................60

Troubadours -Tribute to James Taylor & Carole King (Music Th) Lowlander ...........217

21:30 James Cairns Against Humanity (Theatre)

Princess Alice Hall .....................................160 z

Far From Home (Film) Olive Schreiner ........................................ 225

Masonic Front ..........................................168 XXL (Theatre) St Andrew’s Hall ................ 178 Your Perfect Life (Theatre) Dicks ............179

New Year’s Resolutions (Comedy)

Dancing with the Dead (Dance)

Bowling Club ............................................184 z

The Grave (Theatre) City Hall ..................161 The Pursuit of Hobby-ness (Theatre)

NG Kerk Hall ............................................178

Drill Hall .................................................194 Trinity Tenor (Music) Trinity Church ..........219

Death of a Donut (Comedy)

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (Film) Noluthando Hall ..............................129 Leonard Cohen - A Tribute (Music Theatre) Lowlander ......................215 The Wrong Off-ramp (Theatre)

Kingswood Theatre ....................................182

Book Launch: Poetry Tariro Ndoro (Wordfest) Eden Grove ............................143

Centenary Hall ..........................................209 z

.................169

Dicks ......................................................184 z

Qina (Theatre) Victoria Theatre

17:30 z Big Boys Don’t Dance (Comedy)

The Hangar .............................................182 Bloopers (Comedy) Kingswood Theatre .....182

16:00 z 2Dee (Illusion) Masonic Front ...................201 z Butlers and Bombshells (Comedy)

Schreiner ................................................122 z

17:00 RoccoCocko (Music) Beethoven Room .......96 z Invoking Indigeneity: Olive Schreiner & the Poetics of Plants (Book launch)

The Drakensberg Boys Choir Live in Concert (Music) Guy Butler Theatre .90 Unfathomable (Theatre) Glennie Hall .......175 Where She Walked (Theatre)

Princess Alice Hall .....................................201 Tats is Cancelled (Comedy) Drill Hall ......194

Fine Art Studio Gallery ..................................66

NELM Foyer .............................................138

14:00 ADHD (Comedy) Kingswood Theatre .........181 z All Gone (Theatre) Masonic Back .............155 z All Who Pass (Theatre) Rhodes Box ...........27 z Clique Claq (Music) Slipstream ...............220 z Ilanga (Music Theatre) City Hall ..............215 z Isithunzi (Theatre) NG Kerk Hall ...............162 z Snow White (Walkabout) Rhodes School of z

A Place of Knowing (Theatre) Princess Alice Hall 168

Carinus Annex ..........................................232

10:30 z The Mother of All Eating (Theatre)

Princess Alice Hall .....................................163

22:00 It’s a Guy Thing (Comedy) Dicks .............186 z Sound Word, A Woman in Prayer (Poetry / Storytelling) Masonic Front ........224 z The Sixties (Music Theatre) City Hall ......216 z The Thunderbirds Comedy (Comedy) z

Library Hall ..............................................196

22:30 Asanda Mqiki (Jazz) SB Jazz &

Blues Café @ Saint’s Bistro ........................115 z

The Last Laugh (Comedy) Drill Hall

........189

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

10. FRINGE IN 50 Fringe in 50 gives festival goers a snapshot of shows on the Fringe programme. They are listed in alphabetical order.

2Dee Light and shadow play a vital part in this unique production. Avril Cummings explores storytelling with shadow puppets with audience participation for some improv poetry. Great concept. KK

A Crying Orphan A story of loss, pain, abandonment and a little bit of a twist on Cinderella. This is ultimately a story about encountering hardships but never losing a sense of self, prevailing and succeeding. SB

Again! It is very clear why Rob van Vuuren is back for his 25 year at the NAF. A sold out first performance as his reputation precedes him and he did not disappoint. A very entertaining and interactive hour suitable for the entire family. JDK

Artificially Infeminated A one-woman comedy portraying characters with wit and smart humour. Her interaction with the audience brought out some shining and some rather shy stars. GS

ArtSpoken A musical journey by four guys from a township called Soshanguve. All their songs were a story on our daily lives, social issues that sometimes we forget to look beyond our means. It was breath-catching. TB

A Religion Apart This performance is a comedic production that portrays two contradicting beliefs making it interesting. One of the main themes of the production is jealousy. A brother kills his older brother in order to take over the leadership of the family and through umngeno inherits his brother's wife. It’s a brilliant untold story based on traditional societies. A definite must watch! TB

ADHD A festival favourite is back! Aron Mcllroy gives a hilarious one-man performance on the ups and downs of ADHD. KK

Arranged Marriage A piece by four actors in wanting to portray a belief that marriage is about happiness, but loyalty, commitment and responsibilities must take place. It reveals family secrets that people sacrifice for marriage. It is a powerful act by these four, who made it a reality. TB

Artifice with Stuart Lightbody A masterful performer and mind blowing real in your face magic. Actual gasps from the audience I was captivated. This is how you make an hour disappear that you will remember forever. Stuart embodies the art of wonder. NA

Battles! Iimfazwe - transportation to the past A historical tour of events that has to do with the narratives of the past and the language of the present. A theatre act that introduces poetry, story telling, dance (pantsula), visual arts and physical performances, all formed from forms of the creative arts. It speaks about Makhanda, of its division through violence and racial laws. TB

Becoming Liam Another winning Followspot Production debut show follows Liam McDermott from his days of being a (not so good) waiter to how he got to where he is today (thank you Eskom). This extremely talented young musician who, along with his boyish good looks and cheeky grin

has the world at his feet. Cover songs from various artists as well as original songs are performed to perfection. His beautiful rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ had us all feeling very emotional. KK

Benny Bushwacker A very entertaining performance by a slightly insane conservationist who touches on quite a few controversial issues about our country adding his own special dash of humour. TVO

Big Boys Don't Dance (The Original Hit Revival) Oh yes they do! Ash and Brad revive their original hit show with lots of laughter and smooth moves. These Big Boys will have your feet tapping and your hands clapping in between the laughs. The Dirty Dancing routine is not to be missed. KK

Bijou

If you enjoyed 2018’s Caliente you will LOVE Follow Spot’s 2019 #NAF2019 offering Bijou. Vanessa Harris leads this insanely talented group of dancers and musicians through a raunchy (and sometimes naughty) hour’s worth of the best entertainment money can buy. Liam G dancing in heels is a must see! KK

Bloopers This duo is brought to life by a different approach to some of our own ways spreading a variety of topics from weddings to cultural heritage as individuals. They are lively and make a special take on what is challenged to equate our thoughts into a comedy of ways. It's light hearted and cleverly put. GS

Born Naked Is an entertaining lip-synching, buttwiggling dance show, but it is also a touching story about a drag-mother and her adopted child - Blaq WIdow. Queen Bling takes in Blaq, gives her dazzling costumes and teaches her to walk in ultra-high heel shoes. Born Naked maintains the fun while it urges society to understand what the drag community have to undergo in order to be accepted. SL

Butlers and Bombshells An outrageous comedy chock full of slapstick humour and countless one-liners. The theatre piece makes use of audience interaction to drive the who-dunnit murder mystery. The opening night lacked a bit of fluidity, but this show is sure to get a good chuckle out of a mature audience. RO

Carnival Sideshow and Other Magical Things An impressive start grabs your attention, followed by tricks and stunts using objects ranging from Rubik cubes and string to cards and crushed glass. The Brendon Peel / Li Lau duo, along with eager sidekick Phil, entertained and amazed, drawing lots of oohs and aahs from a young audience. LG

Claude Samuel Claude Samuel is a talented musician, amazing on guitar and is a one-man band. He plays many of his own compositions along with some classic rock songs. Very entertaining. SF

Clique Claq This Port Elizabeth band offers an impressive and engaging set by an extremely talented group of musicians complimented by a vocalist whose voice range stretches from sunshine to chocolate velvet. A seriously good show and real entertainment, a sound too big for the stage they are standing on right now! LK

Dangled Rob van Vuuren shocks, terrifies

and mystifies in this psychosexual horror-comedy. A man descending into madness contemplates his experiences with the help of his trusted, yet hated desk and chair. Amidst the maddening chaos, truths are revealed - questioning how we ‘dangle’ in humanity. JF

Death of a Donut An interactive who-done-it comedy show of murder and mayhem, doughnuts and dastardly deception. Join the host as he unpacks the clues and help him solve the murder case in the Donut Factory! The packed teen audience loved the process, great fun indeed. LK

Dr Stef's Sidesplitting Hypnosis Á very entertaining show that leaves you wondering if it is real or not. But then, why would a person eat an onion believing it was an apple? This hilarious show which relies on volunteers leaves the audience begging for more. It was side-splittingly funny! KB

Drums and Dreams This play reflects the dilemma of orphans in foster care homes. The protagonist is abused by both her uncle and aunt, sexually and physically. As she leaves her foster home she lands in the hands of an exploitative lover in the city of gold – Johannesburg. This piece is suitable for adults as it portrays a lot of sexual acts and violence. MQ

Duende Dave Starke and Nish Pillay perform a collection of beautiful and powerful original songs. One can feel the emotional intensity of the writer portraying different elements about today’s world. The lighting and sound creates an atmosphere that makes one connect with the songs. TB

Electric Juju As one might imagine, Van Vuuren's reputation precedes him and he does not disappoint with this magical mystical story set in a unique and ethereal world unlike any you have ever seen. His dark and electric characters draw the audience into a truly theatrical experience. Teen to adult audiences will enjoy it. LK

Faure Requiem This celebration of a mixture of vocal song and string instruments with the aid of an organ is spontaneous and awakens your senses. These 11 singing souls with their high octane vibrancy of different tones bring a wealth of harmony. It is a classic taste that calms your nerves and you will leave feeling revived. GS

Florence and Watson present the Great Pangolin Mystery A marvellous performance by Florence and Watson where they take us on their village journey of trying to show/teach us that every person/thing has a role to play in our society regardless of how small, tall, thin you may be, but you can make a difference. The performance was very educative and funny at the same time. KB

Forever Young This is a thought provoking look into the life of Byron who committed suicide at age 33, delving into his psyche and all the factors that influenced his life choices. Brilliant use of multimedia and excellent song choices to match. TVO

Fundisa's Fabulous Adventure Six brilliant performers present a heart-warming musical comedy. Fundisa is a young girl who lives in a colourful South African township. She dreams of one day becoming a pilot and reaching the stars, despite

Tuesday July 2 2019 being told that girls can’t fly. Her adventure is filled with humour, optimism, and a little bit of magic! SH

Holy Communion Strong vocals resonating throughout the arena, this show is for anyone who enjoys a more flexible script that allows for interaction with the audience. SF

How To Be a Politician in SA

this enigmatic musician. WK

Lost & Found The lighting, music and use of simple yet effective props all played a part to enthrall the audience. The clever inclusion of digital media was pivotal to the plot. This is a thought provoking performance which left me wondering about the complexities of relationships. TVO

This solo act covers a wide variety of political influences which make us realise how some people vote according to their own political preference. He uses the audience in an exchange of ideals and consequence. His humour in comparison to how to be a politician is in good favor. GS

Love ‘n Greed

iGruffalo

Maxwell the Bubbleologist

An amazing show for the family about a brave rodent who journeys through the forest. Actors exhibit excellent singing and choreography skills. IM

This is an amazingly enchanting show that will make everyone feel their inner child again no matter how old you are. A very touching and hilarious show. It uses emotion, humour and the magical science of bubbles. An absolutely amazing show for absolutely everyone. PB.

It's a Guy Thing Good dirty comedy delivered with a uniquely South African flavour. A refreshingly tasteful adult show for people with an irreverent sense of humour. Funny, punchy and punny. Anyone who just doesn’t understand men ... t his is the one for you. You can learn everything you need to know, at just this one show! LK

It's About 2 An emotional account of how secrets and infidelity destroy the marriages of two households which lead otherwise virtuous lives. With beautiful hymns, poetry and physical performances, this tragic drama with a surprising twist proved to be captivating! The mixture of SeTswana, isiZulu and isiXhosa made it even more special. MM

James Cairns Against Humanity Zany comedy where every show is different. This one-man improv stand-up comedy presents a unique performance where the audience (Humanity) must battle it out with James Cairns in a game show based on a popular card game. This act promises to be a hit with both young and old. WK

Joel Leonard Amazing one man show with a modern day interpretation on Hamlet. Wonderful audience interaction, hilarious and very thought provoking at the same time. Superb performance, one definitely not to be missed. VJ

Kafka’s Ape A simulating exhibition of a primates battle through the stereotypical type of human identity. The narrator uses simple antics through the values of being a closed animal wanting to get out of our social boundaries with in our primal instincts. With slight humour this will entice you to a visual treat by a solo man. GS

Lazola Gola Live A brilliant performance by Lazola Gola that any mature audience can relate to! He has this fascinating way of dealing with what's considered taboo in a way that will leave you thinking … as you recover from all the laughter, presented by a comedian that we have come to love on Bantu Hour. SN

Leonard Cohen -A Tribute Dave Starke gives an exceptional tribute to the legendary singer, songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohen. His hit songs such as So Long Maryanne and Halleluia brings back memories and Starke weaves the story of this man with such empathy that you gain a new perspective of the mind and inspiration of

The film is about a young couple that have recently married and moved into a new house because the husband is a successful business man. The film has an interesting twist to the storyline, and it touches on daily challenges. SR

Medusa Incarnate A one-woman show from a garish Hades almost brought up-to date because her Internet is still dial-up. The show is funny and entertaining but Medusa is evil - she used to turn men into stone and now she loves plastic - shudder. Rhodes alumnus, Kate Pinchuck, is clever and brave for shooting off quick lines, doing the unexpected and wearing the highest heels that are not stilts. SL

Mojak Lehoko and Mo Mothebe: Two Mics Raunchy comedic duo Mo and Mojack hit up the Grahamstown Festival with a vibrant comedy spectacle. Political satire and South African stereotypes are let loose while engaging with the audience. Old jokes are revived with a new and original flair. Recommended for a good laugh. JF

Nomabotwe This performance is one you do not want to miss, and once you watch it, you will not want it to end. The entire band is on fire, and you get to join in as the rhythm takes you back and calms all nerves. Loved it! SN

Once A Woman Musical This story of black women’s participation in The Struggle is told with high energy and beautiful singing voices. The caricature nature of the Afrikaans characters brought dark humour to terrible scenes. Although I found the background music often too loud to hear the actors clearly, the audience response was lively and enthusiastic. LG Continues on P11

The Fringe in 50 reviewers for 2019 are (initials then name): AV Asiphile Vena, GM Gcobisa Mpande, GS Greg Scheibe, HP Helmo Preuss, IM Iviwe Mzandisi, JDK Jackie de Klerk, KB Kamvelihle Buwa , KK Karen Kouari, LG Lisl Griffioen, LK Lee-Anne Knowles, MC Michelle Coupe, MM Mihlali Mbunge, MQ Mziwonke Qwesha, NA Natasha Alison, NM Nicole Mamphey, PB Phoebe Bunyan, RO Ronald Oats, SB Siphosethu Balakisi, SF Shaan Forster, SL Steven Lang, SN Sean Nkosi, SR Sposethu Ralo, TB Thembani Buka, TH Terri Harris, TVO Tanya Van Onselen, VJ Victoria Jackson, WK Wendy King, SH Shannon Hansen , JF Jeanne Fourie, AE Adrienne Ehrich.

THE HERALD SPOTLIGHT

Tuesday July 2 2019 Continues from P10

Once Upon a Time This is a really sweet show that will teach you about our environment and some of our beloved happy ever after tales. Very dramatic and very funny, this is a show that all children will adore. PB.

performance. Enhanced with effective lighting and symbolic use of water, the dramatic and poignant story delivered by the cast is both current and relatable. A trigger warning for rape should be advised - strictly no children. Accolades to the character Chloe - outstanding acting. Brilliant production overall. MC

can theatre. An absolutely captivating story is propelled by the excellence its actors all of whom injected exceptional talent into one of the best theatre anyone can find this fest. VJ

The Grave

This brilliant entertainer had us in stitches as he touched on the very real, sometimes sensitive issues of our lives in 2019 and our tendencies to avoid talking to each other about important matters. TVO

A story on a journey of a son longing for his father. He does not get answers from his mother, but because he cannot talk to his mother about men stuff, he's caught up with a wrong crowd and ends up behind bars. A beautiful storyline, with the songs as background, the language and lighting made the piece go beyond just the voices. TB

A powerful music that aspire to tell African tales through song and dance. They speak about ethnicity (of radical African sounds) with the ancestral awakening voices and uses poetry and movement to do so. It is such an amazing performance with all the setting. TB

Tells Us More

The Maid

Mo's performance was fast paced, funny and very interactive. Covering a wide range of topics ranging from government hospitals to the playing of board games. JDK

Raiders: The Fallen Crown

A vibrant blend of song and dance that replays Robert Moffatt’ s meeting with Mzilikazi, King of the Ndebele. Set in Zimbabwe, the play confronts issues that hit home around faith, identity and language. in ways that explore how our struggles in the 21st century are by no means new or straightforward. SN

This is a Zulu film about a maid from hell who turns out to be the preferred candidate for marriage. She works her heart to be admired by the boss and convinces him to see the cheat in his fiancee. After having ruined the affair of her male boss she ends up being the chosen one. Central in the film is the importance of a lack of mother's love. This also dispels the myth that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. MQ

Pets Are Family A promising play that subtly blurs the lines between man and dog. Mandla is so caught up in building his empire that he has little to no space for his wife and dogs. This is a light-hearted piece of work that you may want to add to your day. SN

PG–13

This much loved family show is back with a new adventure "the Fallen Crown". Clever reparte' and intelligently written script. WK

Robbie Collins Live Robbie does not disappoint his audience! With an impressive ability to improvise and speak off the cuff, he kept us shrieking and snorting in agreement throughout his appearance. He is without a doubt one of the best stand up performers fest has to currently offer! NOT PG, 16+ LK

Silkworm A charming comedy with a quirky Mr Bean feel. Clever use of audience interaction and vivid imagery brings the story to life. Charming, funny and an excellent performance. NA

Sound Word, A Woman in Prayer This workshopped play by director Gcebile Dlamini and her inter-generational cast with ages ranging from 10-year old Mbalehle Ncube to 70-year old Harry Carol from the Tswelopele Frail Care Centre addresses the universal questions: Who am I? and Why am I here? The 17-year-old Amanda Othandwayo in a standout debut performance answers these questions. HP

Sounds Like You and Me This workshopped play by director Gcebile Dlamini and her inter-generational cast with ages ranging from 10-year old Mbalehle Ncube to 70-year old Harry Carol from the Tswelopele Frail Care Centre addresses the universal questions: Who am I? and Why am I here? The 17-year-old Amanda Othandwayo in a standout debut performance answers these questions. HP

Still A powerful and heart-wrenching

Tats is Cancelled

The Adventures of Robert Moffat

The Blue Period of Milton van der Spuy A sold out first performance. Francis Mennigke delivers a captivating performance telling a heartbreaking story of Milton as he comes to terms with the death of Mona Lisa Van de Spuy. A well-deserved standing ovation this was a privilege to watch. NA

The Boy Who Cried Ninja This is a highly enjoyable experience for the whole family. It's a show that will get you dancing along. It gives good morals and is very funny. It tells of how a boy learns that telling the truth is always best. PB

The Chocolate Chronicles A truly delicious stand-up show. Fun and engaging. A skilled performer, Mo is one of the top guys on the circuit for sure. A thoroughly enjoyable show to delight and entertain any adult audience. LK

The Fundamental: Life Goes On A prologue by two characters kick started this story life's troubles and tests. Two estranged sisters are united in an unplanned bus trip, where the passengers, including them each have something to share about their lives. AV

The Gospel According to Jan Coetzee The Gospel of Jan Coetzee, directed by Wessels Pretorius cannot be understated, it is a truly brilliant and fascinating example of South Afri-

Stop press – changes ADDITIONAL SHOWS ● ROCCOCOCKO at Beethoven

Room on 2 July 5pm ● Walls and Pillows Venue: NG Kerk 3 July at 10am, 4 July at 12pm, 5 July at 4.30pm Ticket prices: R40 / R35 / R33

FRINGE UPDATES ● 2Dee: is directed by Avril Cum-

mins and not Kirsten Harris as advertised

● The Pursuit of Hobby-ness: is di-

rected by Avril Cummins and not Ryan Dittman as advertised ● Under the Jacaranda: performances on 1 and 2 July have been cancelled (the rest remain unchanged) ● Raiders: The Fallen Crown: Lulu Read has been replaced by Jessica Leigh-Stanley. ● Battles! Iimfazwe! Transportation to the past: performance on 3 July cancelled. ● Carnival Sideshow and Other

The Old Man & The Sea Three very busy, top-class actors using three sets on a large, lazy-Susan platform bring life to a vibrant edition of the Hemingway classic. Each actor plays various parts changing three-quarter face masks for each character. They add to the play's unique Cuban flavour by speaking in convincing Spanish accents. Enjoyable and could help students who have this as a set-work. SL

The Pursuit of Hobby-Ness A stellar performance, delivered with great control and discipline. A multi-layered dramatic monologue capturing the poignant moments of the delusional feelings of helplessness resulting from heartbreak. MC

The Sixties A look at the life and times of growing up in a South African township during the 60's. The good, the bad and the music that united everyone. Solid musical performances. JDK

The Thunderbirds Comedy Three women do stand-up that has the audience in paroxysms of laughter and embarrassment. They are extremely funny, sharp and enjoy a good thrust and parry with the audience. SL

FRINGE IN 50 ing mind games with wit and some dad-jokes. JF

The Wrong Off-Ramp A startling and powerful play given by actors Kabelo Mpete and Mpho Mzima tell a brutal story of a man’s descent into prison gang-life and his ultimate redemption. This play was beautifully portrayed by actors who gave a visceral and incredibly emotional performance that will grip you to the end. VJ

This is my house, Kukwami la This excellent play is based on two serious subjects, physical abuse and sexual abuse of a minor, as well as the perennial fear of women who do not want to report either of these crimes to the authorities as the perpetrator invariably holds a trump card over them. In this case the perpetrator is the bread winner in the home. Most of the dialogue is in isiXhosa. AE

Time of your Life: The ’90s I had high hopes for this show. The ‘90s was the time of my life and many of the visuals and the music took me back. The narrator tells a touching story of growing up in the ’90s. Leaves you feeling nostalgic. NA

Troubadours: A Tribute to James Taylor and Carole King With a melody of two, the music chosen brings back to life the favorites of these two song writers in a very decisive enactment of this guitar and piano recital. With crisp clear voices your mind and soul are truly awakened. Enjoy! GS

Trust Me, I'm a Superhero A rather ambitious one-man piece with a myriad of diverse and crazy characters that mirror Marvel and fantasy personalities we all know and love, with a dollop of uniquely South African flavour to spice things up. For an interactively entertaining collection of cameos, meet these unlikely superheros! LK

uthakathiwe An uncensored play about the way women are abused and how this shapes their lives and the lives of those around them. According to this cast title Uthakathiwe which means, bewitched, which seems to be the only answer that makes sense, when every woman victim of rape and other abuse asks "why?" or "why me". GM

The Trickster

uFlorence noWatson neMpuku yoMoba

A charismatic, energetic and engaging Brendan Peele headlines this festival mentalist display, promising mystery, excitement and psychological illusion. Unfortunately, this halfhazardous mash up fails to deliver on thrills and mystique. Disorganized and seemingly unprepared, Peele wheedles his way through failed card tricks and underwhelm-

A marvellous performance by Florence and Watson (in isiXhosa) where they take us on their village journey of trying to show/teach us that every person/thing has a role to play in our society. Regardless of how small, tall, thin you may be you can make a difference. The performance was very educational and funny at the same time. KB

Magical Things is a 12+ show – not all ages, as advertised.

MAIN CANCELLATIONS

FRINGE CANCELLATIONS

this production has been postponed and will premiere later in the year in Johannesburg.

#Marimba Musical, Calluses, Cat As Trophy, Ingenxa Kamama, Just 6, Loyiso Madinga Live, Samaria, Senior Citizens, Sisonke “Alive” Kids, So Naive, Touching Myself: An Ode to Audre Lorde, Trust Me, I’m a Superhero

WORDFEST CANCELLATIONS ● A Person My Colour by Martina

Dahlmanns (Book launch) ● Katlego Shoro - SERURUBELE

(Poetry reading)

● No Easter Sundays for Queers –

ERRATA Please note: The Fringe productions 2Dee and The Pursuit of Hobbyness were directed by Avril Cummins, not Kirsten Harris and Ryan Dittmann as (respectively) indicated in the printed programme. HeyJanice Productions sincerely apologises for any confusion or inconvenience caused by this in-

11.

Unfathomable Her set and props are brutally minimalist and particularly unique but Alexandra Halligey creates an almost ethereal and contemplative piece that is absorbing and haunting. She tells her journey of grief and laying her father to rest and trying to connect to a intriguing grandma she never got to meet. Perhaps the performance is not suitable for a younger audience member, however a resonance is created to become an almost magical experience with her ingenious use of props consisting of seemingly incongruous items. For a remarkable and absorbing performance Unfathomable is an absolute must. VJ

Veronica's Monster This is a lovely show for young children to enjoy. It uses gorgeous songs, poetry and puppets to animate the story and teach you valuable life lessons. Veronica learns to face her fears and the monster under the bed. Extremely enjoyable for the whole family. PB

When Coasts Meet This piece follows the story of a mixed-race woman who is part German and part South African- countries which are oceans apart. Her struggles of discovering her identity and roots are highlighted in this one woman show. Fortunately, she finds solace in water- a symbol of her two identities meeting. NM

Winging It! The Turbulent Revelations of Meghan and Shivan A very well written and performed play about the turbulent secrets we keep. It’s about how we are stuck in a strange loop in a small space and how we have to face our dark truths. A light hearted and comedic depiction with excellent use of props. NA

You Should Be Dancing The gorgeous Follow Spot troupe are back and boy, are we lucky! Singing and dancing to a variety of hit songs from various decades, this is a show that will sell out quickly. The humour, dancing and singing will make you want to see it more than once so get your tickets while you can! KK

Your Perfect Life The juxtaposition between the wit of Karleen and the somber attitude of Caitlin create a well-rounded performance filled with the stereotypes and nerves that surface during a dreaded reunion day. TCH

Zombie Attack Gaëtan Schmid gives an impressive mime performance to a variation of sound tracks from movies such Fight Club, Apocalypse Now, Harry Potter and so much more. He truly embodies the mental turmoil we all go through before we face public speaking. A real feel good show. TH

correct information. Stuart Cairns was listed as the director of Barefoot Chronicles. This information is false – Stuart has informed the Festival Office that he was not involved in any way in this production

MULTICHOICE SUNDOWNERS 30 JUNE EMCEE: Nkosinathi Maki Malope Sounds Like You and Me Clique Claq Young_SinoSA Jeremiah Fyah Ises and the Baakahyaad Khuluma Mngoma

12. STANDARD BANK YOUNG ARTIST FOR THEATRE

Tuesday July 2 2019

Life’s unexpected heroes Amy Jephta

Devon Koen koend@tisoblackstar.co.za

Drawing inspiration from living, watching, listening – and even eavesdropping on conversations – this is how young theatre aficionado Amy Jephta discovers her stories. It’s also how this year’s Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre – whose play All Who Pass is being performed at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda – finds the unexpected heroes who populate her work. “I find most of my ideas when I’m out in the world, not sitting by myself in a room, but actually experiencing life. “What makes me tick is how complicated human beings are. They're very difficult to figure out. “I’m fascinated by that psychology, and then interpreting it in a creative way,” Jephta said. Following nine years as a festival attendee and having her work as a writer and director performed four times, Jephta said it was affirming to her to be named the Young Artist award winner for theatre. “It means someone has noticed and seen my work. It's always good to know that while you have been building your career, people were tracking your path. “So the award to me is a culmination of many years spent behind the scenes in the theatre industry,” Jephta said.

REAL PEOPLE: Amy Jephta’s play ‘All Who Pass’ is on at the National Arts Festival A writer by nature, Jephta has also built a reputation as a filmmaker, activist and academic and has been a driving force in local and international initiatives promoting opportunities for female playwrights.

“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve been given to travel and see the world on the back of my writing. “I’ve been around Europe, to the UK, the US, and some of my favourite cities all because of my writing.

Picture: STEFAN DISEK

“Sharing rooms and space with some of my idols has also been exciting,” she said. Gravitating towards stories that are character-driven and people who are, or become, the heroes in

their own lives in small and unexpected ways gives Jephta a purpose in her writing. “I guess I enjoy stories of 'heroes in unexpected places'. I always try to say something – politically, socially – with my work. “But I never put that at the front. I always prioritise, telling a good story about human beings first,” Jephta said. Tackling social issues and traumatic experiences which people have and still deal with on a daily basis, Jephta will not shy away from previous injustices to expose the experiences suffered. “If people can understand the past and continued effects the Group Areas Act had on families, I'd be satisfied. “Even just to make people curious about a part of history they may have forgotten, to have them think about how that past is never just 'in the past' ... it has ripple effects on the real lives of South Africans in the present day,” she said. For Jephta, the arts have the ability to question, problematise, criticise and offer solutions. “Artists have always been at the forefront of asking difficult questions. “I think we will always need some form of protest theatre in this country,” Jephta said. ● All Who Pass is being performed at the Rhodes Box at 2pm and 8pm on July 2 and 3.

NF2 Productions presents

CONFESSIONS OF A MORMON BOY

GRAEME COLLEGE

An uncommonly powerful, gripping, and very moving piece of theatre. Staying away would be a mistake.” (Chicago Tribune)

2 July (19:00) 3 July (12:00 & 18:00) 4 July (11:00)