Support the Sibikwa storytelling festival

The festival takes place at the Sibikwa Arts Centre, from March 18 to 21.

Organisers said the festival aims to celebrate 20 years of democracy, working towards social cohesion, promoting indigenous languages, giving a platform to sign language and building national identity.

The four day line-up includes:

• On Wednesday, March 18, the festival starts with medley of African stories presented by Nonhlanhla Hadebe (for preschoolers and Grade One to Grade Three pupils) and Mosoeu Ketlele (Grades Four to Grade Seven pupils), from 10am till 10.45am.

Clowns without Boarders South Africa presents Siyajabula at 11am for younger audiences.

Gcina Mhlophe, internationally acclaimed storyteller, actor, poet, play write and director, will mesmerise the audience with a selection of stories for Grade Four to Grade Seven children.

At noon there will be an open mic session by the Streetqueen, which is open to all ages.

In the afternoon, a workshop for teachers will be conducted by Mhlophe, who will focus on how to delve into our own personal journeys.

•  On Thursday

At 10am, Hadebe will be presenting a medley of African stories, such as Spider the Drummer and Rabbit on the Moon, and a performance of Siyajabula.

At 11am there will be stories by Mpho Molikeng and Musical San Stories by Pops Mohamed.

There will be an Open Mic Session at noon.

At 2.30pm, a teachers’s workshop will be hosted, titled “Storytelling – tapping the power of narrative”.

•  Friday, March 20

The morning session at 10am kicks off with Masondo’s Eenie Meanie Greenie Grow and Muhamed’s Musical San Stories.

At 11am there will be traditional stories from Lesotho with Molikeng and a performance by Sibo Masondo called Point Blank.

Visitors can also expect a collection of mimed stories, influenced by the great French mime artist, Marcel Marceau, and infused with South African influences.

At noon the open mic session will commence.

• On Saturday, March 21

The storytelling competition will be held on World Storytelling Day and is open to anyone above the age of 15, who can tell a good story.

Pre-booking is essential and stories, which can be told in any of the official languages, should not be longer than 10 minutes.

The first prize is R3 000, second prize is R1 500, and R500 will be awarded to the most promising storyteller.

There will be plenty of food on sale such as vetkoek, bunny chow, fruit and soft drinks.

There is a charge for the storytelling sessions.

For more information visit www.sibikwa.co.za, and for bookings contact Michael Mabena on 011 422 4359 or email michael@sibikwa.co.za.