Highlighting heritage through performing arts

Convened by Ekurhuleni, in partnership with The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, a My Body My Space public arts festival was held throughout Ekurhuleni from February 2 to 7.

The main event, on Saturday, which was well attended by members of the public, showcased entertaining performances by artists and groups from various destinations.

Each performance contained an abstract portrayal of social issues faced by South African society.

Organiser PJ Sabbagha, from The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, said the goal of the initiative is to make arts and culture more accessible.

“It is also meant to question and resolve aspects that are challenging democracy, in order to preserve it,” he added.

Ekurhuleni divisional leader for arts, culture and heritage, Alba Letts, added that the My Body My Space concept refers to making individuals aware of their space and the individuality of themselves and those around them.

“We look at it as 16 Days of Activism, but we want it to be implemented daily,” she said.

Letts said the programme goes beyond arts, because it is linked to economic development.

“We try to make it a social cohesion, in which we ask local vendors, cleaners and car guards to participate and get business,” she said.

KnitWits for Madiba, who are participants in the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative, also gathered at the festival.

They are attempting to collect 21 000 blankets from around South Africa, before April.

These will be displayed at the Nelson Mandela statue, at the Union Buildings, on April 21.

Crochet lessons were also given throughout the day.

The community is encouraged to get involved in this do-good movement.

For more information, visit www.67blankets.co.za, or the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (SA) Facebook group, or Twitter @67blankets.

Click here to view a video of one of the performances on the day.