Women’s month State Theatre gig guide
GIG GUIDE: STATE THEATRE PRESENTS SIXTH VAVASATI INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FESTIVAL
Plays, concerts and exhibitions about the women of our land.
In celebration of Women’s Month, the State Theatre has officially launched the sixth annual Vavasati Women’s International Festival, with the 2018 edition of the festival under the banner “Together We Are Stronger”, inspired by Albertina Sisulu, a “woman of fortitude”, as the world marks what would have been her 100th birthday.
Her life was based on service with integrity and dignity. As a health worker, she never wavered from her values as a caring, professional nurse and midwife and led with humility, upholding the rights of others.
“This year we are celebrating the magic that happens when women in the creative space work together.
“Over 20 productions in a variety of genres, including music, drama, poetry, art, comedy, lifestyle, workshops and discussions are featured in the programme,” said festival curator and State Theatre producer Keamogetswe Moeketsane.
The theatre created a women’s festival of this stature to make its resources accessible and provide a space for female artists whose names do not yet appear in any theatre history books, Moeketsane said.
‘Vavasati’ is the Xitsonga word for ‘women’, referring to the power of women when they unite. They are as follows:-
1. WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY PHOTO EXHIBITION
Directed and produced by: Sanmari Marais
Dates: Until August 31 With more than 10 years’ experience in the print, digital and photography industry, the founder of Sammy Shoots Photography and Graphic Design, Sanmari Marais, helps artists and creatives who need coverage of their events, brand development and marketing to position themselves in the industry. She has worked with big industry names such as the late Hugh Masekela, Barbara Masekela, The Parlotones, Cassper Nyovest, Thandiswa Mazwai, Ringo, Lira, Jude HarpStar and Elvis Blue, to name a few.
2. I AM A QUEEN – HIGH TEA
Host: Gail Mabena Date: Today A classy high tea party, with artists performing and guest speakers addressing women’s issues.
3. HIP-HOP CAP CITY
Directed and produced by: Chueu Records and Ramp Media
Date: Today The Cap City Hip Hop events are renditions of the street culture that flows in Tshwane’s veins. During the show, local masters of ceremonies will treat the audience to a listening session of their latest music. They will share their music journeys and describe the passion that drove them to become artists that they are today.
4. THE MASKS
Directed and produced by : Khauhelo Maikhi Dates: Monday until Wednesday
The Masks is a play about two characters who find themselves surrounded by people who do not want to accept them. The male character is rejected for being gay. A female character finds herself in conflict with members of society for being lesbian.
5. DIA LLA (DRAMA)
Directed and produced by: Mmabatho Chuene Dates: Tuesday until Thursday Twins Batho and Anele find themselves in the village of Makweng after being abandoned by
their mother. The rejection brings them closer together, but their village pulls them apart because of their gender.
6. HEELS OVER HEAD (CONCERT)
Directed and produced by: Marlyn Ntsele
Dates: August 17 and 31 Durban-based female band Heels over Head aims to empower women in the industry. The band will be performing in Johannesburg with Lindelwe Ngonelo on keys and Tebza Sedumedi on bass guitar. Heels over Head does smooth jazz combining contemporary African musical phrases, evocative popular African standards, dance-inducing rhythms and happy melodic vocals. Dressed to kill, they present well, combining glamour and warmth with a hint of seductiveness, which is obviously a hot combination!
7. MY SILENCE IS TALKATIVE (DRAMA)
Directed and produced by: Gcebile Dlamini
Dates: August 17 to 19 Mpilo is an albino girl whose grandmother believes that she is blessed and that she can cure disease and make the family rich. Mpilo and her mother’s journey confronts the myths that allow young girls to be exploited, harassed and abused by figures of authority in communities.
8. BODIES UNDER SIEGE (POETRY)
Directed and produced by: Ishmael Sibiya Dates: August 18
Bodies under Siege is a spoken word poetry and jazz showcase staring four powerhouse poets: Siphokazi Jonas, Vuyelwa Maluleke, Emmah Mabye and Wazi Kunene accompanied by an all women jazz band. Through their work, they have been very vocal about women’s issues, including femicide and body shaming.