Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A festival vibe in Makhanda
THE final weekend of the National Arts Festival in Makhanda is in full swing.
Mafikizolo has been thrilling audiences since Thursday and tickets for their shows, as well as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Freshlyground and the final gala concert, are sold out.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the festival, said: “There’s a wonderful South Africaness about the festival.
“There seems, politically and socially, to be a lot of unhappiness and uncertainty about what the future holds for the country. But here the festival really binds people together… people walk through the streets happy and friendly. What really captures it is that there’s a lot of love.”
This year’s line-up offered a selection of jazz, classical music, choral and pop, street performances, thought-provoking theatre, comedy and the innovative Creativate Digital Arts Festival.
All Who Pass made its debut, a moving play about the tragic circumstances of the forced removals of District Six. Written by Amy Jephta, Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre 2019, it moved audiences with its message of not forgetting the horrors of apartheid.
Jemma Kahn and David Viviers performed in Cellist with Rabies, directed by Jaco Bouwer, about a virologist who starts speaking to the rabies virus on her Petri dish under her microscope.
Confessions of a Mormon Boy dealt with a sixth generation Mormon and father of two coming out as gay.
Lankester said when he took charge in 2007, he inherited “an amazing event”.
“I didn’t have to do much in terms of the brand but I had to pull together the team. There were audiences and great venues. But how it’s changed is that audience development has been a big focus,” he added.
Lankester said clever changes to venues have made a difference, such as the current location of the Village Green, which has a large market of price-friendly food stalls.
The more intimate Guy Butler Theatre has been used for various concerts.
“It was very affirming to witness both Mafikizolo’s and the audience’s response (on Thursday),” Lankester said. “So… we just keep tweaking.
“I also love the way the Creativate Digital Arts Festival is evolving. “Creativate is the last box to tick. “The restaurants and guest houses have been full… There’s simply just a wonderful energy and positivity.”
The festival ends tomorrow.