EXCITING drama, music and dance as well as crafts, topical discussions and fun, free entertainment have been confirmed by Durban’s Playhouse Company for the 23rd South African Women’s Arts Festival (SAWAF).
Celebrating works performed, created or inspired by women, this year’s event will be held, as usual, in various venues in the city-centre Playhouse complex, from Wednesday, 7 to Saturday, 10 August.
The SAWAF drama offering this year is a classic – Willy Russell’s celebrated comedy-drama, Shirley Valentine, which will be staged at 7.30pm daily from Thursday, 8 to Saturday, 10 August at the Playhouse Drama theatre.
Shirley Valentine stars Durban darling Lisa Bobbert in a tour de force performance that saw her receive three Durban Theatre Awards in 2008.
Tickets range in price from R120 to R150 and can be bought at the Playhouse box-office on 031 3699 596/40 or online and at Pick n Pay outlets via Webtickets.
Also a must for the diary is Trafficked, a dance-drama by Phakama Dance Theatre, a professional dance company based at the Playhouse.
The troupe was developed as part of the Playhouse’s Dance Residency Programme. Dancers Leagan Peffer, Nkanyiso Kunene and Sandile Mkhize form part of the dance troupe.
Trafficked will have festival performances in the Playhouse Loft theatre at 10am on 7 August at 10am and noon, on 8 August at 7pm on 9 August at 2.30pm and 7pm on 10 August.
Ticket cost 10am and noon performances and R80 for all other performances.
ALSO READ: Durban vocalist for Jazzy Rainbow
The festival’s music highlight will be the Traditional Extravaganza Concert at 7pm on Women’s Day, Friday, 9 August in the
Playhouse’s large Opera theatre.
Directed by award-winning Durban theatre personality Clare Mortimer, this concert will highlight such glittering talents as celebrated singer-actress and musician Tu Nokwe, internationally renowned and award-winning African ‘Queen of Ndebele’ music, Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane, maskandi groups Vumile Mngoma and Izingane Zoma, and, as the show host, popular musician, motivational speaker Dawn Thandeka King.
Tickets range in price from R120 to R150.
Among free festival events will be a 5pm Sundowner Concert on both Friday, 9 and Saturday, 10 August in the Playhouse Foyer.
On the Friday, the spotlight will be on The Lilitha Band, while the free Saturday Sundowner Concert will showcase jazz-soul singer Simthandile Mtolo, a former SA Idols contestant.
Also among free events will be a colourful Kiddies Fun Day from 11am on Saturday, 10 August in the Playhouse’s A1 venue.
Attractions will include entertainment by Madala Kunene and Mandla Mantsha.
A comprehensive display of crafts, curated by Hlengiwe Dube, will be in the Playhouse complex throughout the festival, while a free dialogue session, Mental Health Awareness, has been planned for 3pm on Friday, 9 August in the Alhambra Room.
A free dialogue session titled Ethical Living, curated by Beatrice Okyere-Manu, has been scheduled for noon on Saturday, 10 August in the Alhambra Room.
All tickets for paid performances an be bought at the Playhouse box-office on 031 3699 596/40 or online and at Pick n Pay outlets via Webtickets.
WIN!
TO stand a chance to win two tickets to watch Shirley Valentine, answer this question: Which Greek island did Shirley Valentine go to?
Email your answer to cikomkhize@gmail.com with your contact details by Wednesday, 31 July.
You will also need to Like the Shirley Valentine post on The Playhouse Company social media platforms, tag three friends on Facebook, retweet on Twitter and like, comment and tag three friends on Instagram.
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.