Alex to host Joburg arts alive

Alex residents should brace themselves for the annual Joburg Arts Alive International Festival.

This extraordinary occasion which is held on the first week of September, ushers in spring and brings residents back to life from their winter hibernation. Alexandra will be hosting its fourth leg of the event at the Twilight Theatre, Thusong Youth Centre where its own internationally renowned musicians Caiphus Semenya and Condry Zixubu will woo the crowd.

Other venues will be the Market Theatre in Newtown, Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, and the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton. Expressing delight in joining hands with other venues, Bernard Jay of Joburg Theatre said, “Our institutions exist to entertain and enrich the souls of Joburg’s diverse communities through the arts.”

The Thusong Centre programme dubbed Theatre Night will be on 5 and 6 September starting at 7pm. It will be a mix of musical theatre by VIA ALEX; music by Velvet Suite Lounge and Lily Laburman, DJs Jozz, Trinity Mohlamme, Chilli Funk & 5th Dimension, Steel [Alex FM] and Lefa, and various pierces of vernacular stand up comedy by veteran actor Mashabela Galane and a romantic comedy pierce Perfect Couples by Michael Motaung.

Programme director Thabo Makgaretsa said, “The event will reflect the richness of Alexandra’s arts and culture and the coming together of our artists celebrating their achievements.”

Michael Motaung, who will feature in the romantic comedy, said the event was a recognition that Alex was the home of all art forms and Thusong centre was to entrench this recognition. He added that local students of the arts will be given an opportunity to also showcase their raw talent as part of their graduation. “There will also be an after party and fashion show on 6 September at Pan Africa Mall to end the festival,” he said.

Entry fee on 5 September will be R100 at the door and R200 at Computicket; and on 6 September will be R70 only at the door.

Details: Thabo Makgaretsa 076 436 0415.