Artists put a new twist on local history
With Heritage Day around the corner, the Albany Museum is gearing up to host this year’s Grahamstown Heritage Day programme on 23 September.
Heritage Day is not only a great opportunity to embrace South Africa’s cultural diversity, but also celebrate its intricate history.
Apart from celebrating the diverse cultures that make up South Africa, this year’s programme at the museum will feature a wide array of artistic performances, organised in part by Grahamstown’s own Isikhumbuzo Applied History Unit (IAHU).
IAHU is run by Professor Julia Wells of Rhodes University. Wells explains that IAHU is “looking to make sure that history, and knowledge about history, is shared with communities but also developed with communities".
IAHU hosts discussions and events within local communi- ties that revolve around this task of sharing, and developing history.
Earlier this year, IAHU held several imbizos at the Dakawa Art and Culture Centre, as a means to foster positive exchanges between community members.
For this year’s Heritage Day festivities, IAHU has collaborated with local artists, as well as the Albany Museum, to bring together an exciting presentation of talent.
Ranging from theatrical skits, traditional dance, music, and poetry, these performances have something to offer for everyone.
A sneak peek at some of the show-stopping entertainment includes performances like City of Saints Talk Show with special guests: Makhanda ka Nxele and Colonel John Graham, Battle of Egazini.
If you are unfamiliar with Makhanda and Colonel Graham, or have never heard the story of the Battle of Grahams- town, this is your chance.
Battle of Egazini, by the Via Kasi Movers, will provide a high-energy pantsula dance interpretation of the otherwise known Battle of Grahamstown.
Songs of the animal clans as well as the musical poetry performance, ‘When the animals were ours’, both explore the relationships between African people, land, and animals.
Getting to know local history by watching it on stage is far more fun than reading about it in a book.
Still not intrigued? Even for sports fans – the great game of rugby has made it into these performances.
Umbhoxo, the story of how black rugby took roots in Grahamstown is set to hit the stage.
No matter what your interest may be, this combination of local talent and history is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and is definitely not something to miss.