Celebrating our many ‘she-roes’
THE Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival will host its 12th celebration this year.
Running from August 1 to 18 at Artscape Theatre, it focuses on not only humanity and women, but on disability too.
Some 60 years ago, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws and other inhumane apartheid laws.
August 9 became Women’s Day, a public holiday and the historic day these women marched.
The theme of the festival this year is, “A Spotlight on Cultural Diversity: Transformation and Healing Through the Arts”.
It puts the focus on the many women who fought tirelessly against discrimination and for democracy.
Marlene le Roux, chief executive of Artscape, says: “The festival is dedicated to iconic women who led the Struggle and to modern day ‘she-roes’.
“Artscape Theatre is celebrating the centenary of Albertina Sisulu and Ruth First as well as modern day activists through the arts, including Lee-Ann van Rooi, Siphokazi Jonas and the late disabled activist, Patience Lunika.”
Thoko Ntshinga, director of the Inclusive Arts Unit at Artscape, adds: “It continues to balance the playing fields to achieve equality for all. We continuously aim to highlight the many women who tirelessly and bravely work towards achieving socio-economic and gender equality.”
A host of diverse shows includes Divalicious Dames – Here’s to Life, back by popular demand tomorrow and on Saturday at the Arena, where the brilliant drag and mime artists Ramsay Davids and Martin Neethling take a trip down memory lane.
On August 9, 1963, Ruth First was arrested and kept in solitary confinement under the notorious 90-day clause, becoming the first white woman arrested under it.
The festival will officially open on August 1, to coincide with the production, Ruth First: 117 Days.
Inspired by one of the most beloved fairy tales of all time, Bollywood Enchanted brings together some of the all-time favourite Bollywood songs in a weave of song and dance. Taare Dance presents an inspired adaptation of a timeless classic from August 3 to 5, under the direction of Ahneesh Valodia.
Siphokazi Jonas, director of Around the Fire, brings a unique South African story of four women, Mbali, Faiza, Amber and Angel, set around a makeshift fire on a rainy night in Cape Town.
They are brought together by unexpected circumstances.
Mbali, the homeless guardian of the fire, an Eastern Cape refugee, unravels the stories that unite them, while trying to find her space in a city that renders her invisible.
A fusion of theatre, poetry and live music, it runs from August 8 to 11. The fiercely feminine/masculine are gathering to celebrate the world of lip sync in the Absolutely Fabulously Drag Show for the second year running.
Drag divas Vida von Tabisher, SA’s Got Talent 2016 runner-up Manila von Teez, as well as Kat Gilardi, Jayde Kay Johnson and Angel Lalamore of gay cabaret 3D Trio fame, will showcase presentday glory. Camillo Lombard maintains a strict tempo, while Basil Appollis stitches it all together and cracks the designer whip as director. A surprise special guest is on the cards for August 11.
Director of Liefde is Rooi, LeeAnn van Rooi, is at this year’s festival from August 14 to 18.
An Afrikaans play written by 22-year-old Enrico Hartzenberg, Liefde is a story of victory in a ghetto community of Cape Town where there is no time for love.
Performed by Kay Smith, Chanel Kock and Gershwin Mias.
The theatre complex will be buzzing with activities on Women’s Day, August 9.
The SA Faith and Family Institute, Woman Zone and Artscape will co-odinate and facilitate the Humanity Walk from Schotschekloof Civic Centre, Yusuf Drive, Bo-Kaap at 9am down to Artscape Theatre, where more than 100 stakeholders will be exhibiting their work throughout the day.
The theme this year is “Uniting in Faith”, and all are welcome – women, children and men – to join this iconic walk. The festival will include a free “Piazza Production”, which will include a flash mob, line dancing, traditional dancers, singing and choral music.
Groups and artists included will be the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, Kleinvlei Fitness Club, Likwezi Dancers, Women Unite, Cape Cultural Collective Rosa Choir, Anathi Mabo, Siphesihle “Dee” Mayekane (jazz vocalists) and the Buyelekhaya Cultural Dancers.
Tickets for the festival’s productions are available from Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695. Discounts are available for students, seniors and block bookings. Visit www. artscape.co.za for more information, participating organisations and the full programme.