Afrovibes Festival Brochure 2014

Photo: Tyler Dolan www.tylerdolan.com

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa

Tues 4 – Sat 8 November

Live Theatre Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ • Box Office: 0191 232 1232

live.org.uk

Live Theatre Newcastle

@LiveTheatre

Northern Stage Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH • Box Office: 0191 230 5151

northernstage.co.uk

Northern Stage

afrovibesUK.com

@northernstage

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa In 2014, Afrovibes Festival marks 20 years of the new South Africa: 20 years since the ending of apartheid and the beginning of democracy.

Award-winning artists bring us music, theatre, dance, photography and film, reflecting upon what it is to be part of 21st century South Africa. It’ll be thought-provoking, reflective, turbulent, energetic, exhilarating.

Photo: Tyler Dolan www.tylerdolan.com

And Afrovibes is so much more than just a show: at its heart there’s the Township Cafe, with free events, family workshops, debates, late-night music, pop-up performances, creative work by local artists – and enticing South African-themed food. Some of the local highlights are listed here, or visit our website for more. So drop by, hang out or take part, and belong – you’ll believe that you really are thousands of miles from home!

‘In 1994 a new nation was born.

Since then, our artists have shown the world that South Africa has stories to tell: stories that speak to the collective memory of who we are, that speak of life in South Africa today – stories that link us to the world.’ James Ngcobo – Artistic Director, Afrovibes

Afrovibes 2014 is an event organised as part of the South African Season in the United Kingdom 2014 & 2015.

Afrovibes originated in the Netherlands, where it is now in its eleventh edition.

Produced in the UK by UK Arts International, the festival launched in Britain in 2010 where it is presented biennially. Between 13 October and 8 November, Afrovibes 2014 is visiting a total of 17 venues in the UK. In the Netherlands from 8 to 12 October this year Afrovibes can be seen in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Rotterdam. More information at afrovibes.nl

afrovibesUK.com

AfrovibesUK

@afrovibesUK

afrovibesUK

Mamela

Curious Monkey in association with Live Theatre, the Swallows Foundation UK & Isiseko Senkjonjane present

Photo: Jenny Dewar

Edited by Gez Casey and Ziphozake Hlobo Directed by Amy Golding

Mamela (‘Listen’) follows a group of remarkable young women from the Eastern Cape of South Africa: capturing the opinions, experiences and aspirations of those born towards the end of the Apartheid era, the “born-free” generation.

A fusion of European and African theatre, this cutting edge, verbatim piece is moving personal testimony and storytelling, with traditional dances and songs complementing the spoken word. It’s a compelling, uplifting narrative for the 21st century.

Premiered at the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown in July 2013, receiving a Standard Bank Ovation Award for Innovation and Artistic Excellence.

“One leaves this production inspired… an unheralded gem” Cue Magazine

Mamela

post show di scussion Tue 4 Nov 8.

45pm

Free

When: Tue 4 – Thur 6 November • 7.30pm Where: Main Theatre – Live Theatre Prices: Full £14–£10 / over 60s concs £12–£10 / other concs: £5 Recommended age 10+

Join us for the Afrovibes Festival Launch Party after the Wed 5 November performance of Mamela – free for ticket holders live.org.uk

Live Theatre Newcastle

@LiveTheatre

Artscape Theatre Centre presents

Rainbow

Written by Mike van Graan Directed by Lara Bye Photo: Ruphin Coudyzer

Scars

During the post-apartheid period of reconciliation, white middle class Ellen Robinson and her family adopted a three year old black child, Lindiwe.

Now, fourteen years later, she’s at high school, coming to terms with her life in a changing South Africa. All seems well – until her older cousin seeks her out and forces her to recognise and confront her true heritage, resulting in a turbulent crisis of identity…

“Mike van Graan remains one of the country’s most brilliantly incisive playwrights with an ability to capture the essence of the South African psyche” Artlink South Africa

When: Thur 6 November • 6.30pm Where: Northern Stage Prices: £14.50 (concs available) Recommended age 12+

Discussion of Rainbow Scars author Mike van Graan’s work Thur 6 November 5.30pm. Details in Fringe listings. northernstage.co.uk

Northern Stage

@northernstage

Soil +

Native Rhythms & Live Theatre in association with Jumpin’ Hot Club present

The

featuring Buhle Mda, Ntsika Ngxanga and Phindo Ngxanga

Photo: Alda Taljaard of Inkhaus Graphic Designs

Ladies of Midnight Blue

This a cappella vocal group from Soweto combines a stunning mix of township jazz, hip-hop, Afro-Pop and Afro-Soul. No instruments, no music lessons – just their own voices and local inspiration. The music is underpinned by great rhythmic vocal beat-boxing while the other two voices provide the ever-changing top lines.

The award-winning, platinum-selling trio comes to Afrovibes 2014 direct from the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Afrovibes music nights are famed for their energy and great sounds – and this year will be no exception!

“The threesome generate genuinely incredible music using only their voices. It’s a beautiful thing to witness” The List

Suitable for all ages

live.org.uk Live Theatre Newcastle @LiveTheatre

M O OR VE E RL SH EA OW F… S

When: Fri 7 November • 8pm Where: Main Theatre – Live Theatre Price: £12

Biko’s Quest

The Steve Biko Foundation in association with Artscape Theatre Centre & Jazzart Dance Theatre presents

Photo: Jazzart Dance Theatre

Choreography by Jackie Manyaapelo, Ina Wichterich-Mogane and Mzo Gasa Directed by Mandla Mbothwe

Memory – Identity – History – Emotion: these are the cornerstones of Biko’s Quest. The life, death and legacy of the inspirational campaigner, murdered at the hands of the security police during the apartheid era in South Africa, give us this powerful large cast production.

It takes the audience on a poignant and emotional journey through danced storytelling, often joyous, then dropping into the depths of tragedy. “It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die” Steve Biko.

“This one’s a winner … powerful, thoughtprovoking, moving and unforgettable” Cape Times

When: Fri 7 & Sat 8 November • 7.30pm Where: Northern Stage Prices: £24 – £14.50 (concs available) Recommended age 10+

PLUS Closing night party – Sat 8 November, from 9pm – FREE northernstage.co.uk

Northern Stage

@northernstage

Presented by arrangement with Lentswe Arts Projects

Skierlik

Photo: Tsietsi Gamanyane

Written and performed

by Phillip M. Dikotla

This award-winning play revisits the after effects of a racially-motivated shooting spree that devastated the remote settlement of Skierlik in 2008. Thomas lost his wife and three month old daughter in the atrocity, and he ran: the burden of living alone in the family home was unbearable. But now he’s returning. Riding the long dirt road back to Skierlik, we experience what he will face, back home in the tiny blue shack that he knows so well…

Winner of Best Production at the 2013 Zabalaza Theatre Festival Winner of the Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2013 National Arts Festival, Grahamstown

“I left the Baxter Theatre with my emotions shaken and stirred… I could smell the red dust while sitting in the dark of the theatre with the tears coursing down my cheeks.”

What’s On in Capetown

When: Sat 8 November • 4pm Where: Studio Theatre – Live Theatre Prices: Full £8 / concs £6 Recommended age 14+

Writers’ Workshop with Skierlik author Phillip M Dikotla Sat 8 Nov 11am. Details in Fringe listings live.org.uk

Live Theatre Newcastle

@LiveTheatre

Photo: Sean Fitzpatric

The Township Cafe and Afrovibes Festival Fringe Mamela post show discussion

Meet director Amy Golding and the cast as they discuss the creation of the play from their own true stories.

Tue 4 Nov 8.45pm – Live Theatre – £Free

Afrovibes Launch Party Join us for an Opening Night Party with music and performances from South African artists from within the festival programme.

Wed 5 Nov 8.30pm – Live Theatre – £Free for ticket holders for Mamela that evening.

Township Café at Northern Stage Northern Stage hosts the Afrovibes Township cafe, the heart of the festival in Newcastle. The Township Cafe is the setting for South African street-food and drink, relaxation, music, and a great time – South African style! Hang out with friends, catch free pop-up fringe performances, post-show discussions with the performers and soak up the African vibe with late-night events after the main shows. For the full Township cafe programme see www.northernstage.co.uk Thur 6 to Sat 8 November 11am till late – just drop in.

Discussion about Mike van Graan’s work led by Gez Casey, Live Theatre’s Literary Manager A pre-show discussion about Rainbow Scars and about Mike van Graan’s writing, including Brothers in Blood.

Thur 6 Nov 5.30pm – Northern Stage

Writers’ Workshop with Phillip M Dikotla

Skierlik’s creator Phillip M Dikotla leads a free workshop on writing theatre of the oppressed.

Sat 8 Nov 11am – Gallery, Live Theatre – £Free Limited places, booking essential.

Afrovibes Closing Night Party Celebrate the end of the festival in style, at our closing night party at the Township Café. Performances from artists in the Afrovibes programme including The Soil, plus guests The Crossings Choir.

Sat 8 Nov 9pm – Township Café at Northern Stage – £FREE. Visits and Workshops for School or Community Groups. If you are interested in bringing a school or community group for a workshop or performance, or to request a free Afrovibes education resource pack please contact roxana@live.org.uk afrovibesUK.com

AfrovibesUK

@afrovibesUK

afrovibesUK

Rehearsed readings of two plays by Mike van Graan Presented by Bilimankhwe International Theatre

Mike van Graan is one of South Africa’s leading contemporary playwrights.

His award-winning work explores the truth of life in today’s South Africa.

Brothers in Blood

Directed by Amy Bonsall

A moving drama exploring relations between Muslims, Christians and Jews, and the devastating consequences of misunderstandings, set against Cape Town gang wars of the 1990s.

Thu 6 Nov 3.30pm – Township Café at Northern Stage – £Free. No need to book.

Elusive Spring

Directed by Kate Stafford

A dark political thriller throwing the spotlight on a world of power, corruption and manipulation in postcolonial South Africa.

Sat 8 Nov 2pm – Live Theatre – £Free, pre-booking required.

There will be a Q&A session with members of the creative team following both readings.

Africa Inspired by Tyler Dolan This South African photographer with a unique hyper-realistic style presents Africa Inspired, a group of studio shots manipulated digitally to create his final vision: ‘I wanted to create images that show the vibrant colours of Africa and beauty all in one: this series is the result of merging the two.’

Pop Up South Africa Go on safari, hang out in the township or visit iconic South Africa sites with this fun, interactive festival photography project. Prepare to be amazed! No need to book – just turn up. Family friendly and FREE. For dates and venue check afrovibesUK.com/takepart

Crossing Cultural Borders Running alongside the main programme of Afrovibes events is a series of seminars, discussions and debates for arts professionals, focusing on the arts in the new South Africa. See www.afrovibesUK.com for details.

Global Choir Calling all singers ... Add your voice to this celebration of freedom by learning a song based on the words of Nelson Mandela and uploading it to the virtual choir online! For more information about this exciting project and how you can be involved, visit www.afrovibesUK.com/takepart Artist New for this year: if you are a practising artist, register with the Pass Festival to receive your ARTIST PASS. You’ll get invitations to our Crossing Cultural Borders events which include networking sessions, panel discussions, sharings, open mic nights etc. and there will be some special ticket deals, too. See afrovibesUK.com for details. To sign up: just email michaela@ ukarts.com, putting ARTIST PASS in the subject header. afrovibesUK.com

AfrovibesUK

@afrovibesUK

afrovibesUK

UK Arts International in association with Afrovibes Foundation Netherlands presents

Patron: Dame Janet Suzman WEEK COMMENCING

WEEK COMMENCING

• Stratford Circus, London E15 stratford-circus.com • The Albany, London SE8 thealbany.org.uk • Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea taliesinartscentre.co.uk

• mac & The Drum, Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk the-drum.org.uk • Chapter, Cardiff chapter.org/afrovibes • The Courtyard, Hereford courtyard.org.uk/afrovibes

WEEK COMMENCING

WEEK COMMENCING

• South Hill Park, Bracknell southhillpark.org.uk/afrovibes • The Black-E & Unity Theatre, Liverpool theblack-e.co.uk unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk • Contact, Manchester contactmcr.com/afrovibes • Nottingham Lakeside Arts lakesidearts.org.uk

• The Dukes, Lancaster dukes-lancaster.org/afrovibes • Live Theatre & Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne live.org.uk northernstage.co.uk • Summerhall, Edinburgh summerhall.co.uk • Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow cca-glasgow.com

13 October

20 October

3 November

26 October

Freedom Tour * South Africa at 20: Theamm e, the five UK African film festivals

Alongside the live Afrovibes festival progr years of films at various locations, reflecting 20 are presenting a tour of South African South Africa in Film ur. filmto k/SA .org.u otion democracy: details at www.africa-in-m s to previously suppressed, and contribute gives a voice to those whose stories were South of best the s mpas enco films om Tour shaping this young democracy. The Freed African cinema, past and present.

African Film Festival Photo: Jazzart Dance Theatre

the Cambridge Eye (Bristol), Watch-Africa (Wales), and *Africa in Motion (Scotland), Film Africa (London), Afrika

afrovibesUK.com

AfrovibesUK

@afrovibesUK

afrovibesUK