Storytelling festival brings history to life
The Sibikwa Storytelling Festival celebrating 20 years of democracy will take place from March 10, culminating on World Storytelling Day on March 21.
The festival will be held at the Soweto Theatre from March 10 to12 and at the Sibikwa Arts Centre from March 18 to 21.
The festival’s aim is social cohesion, promoting indigenous languages, giving a platform to sign language and building national identity. Festival-goers will experience histories, languages, cultures and music in performances and workshops hosted by storytellers, musicians and clowns.
Performances and workshops will feature world-renowned storytellers such as Gcina Mhlophe; Nonhlanhla Hadebe, Mosoeu Ketlele, Hlohonolo Dube and Mpho Molikeng.
The Open Mic Sessions at Sibikwa at 12:00 will be coordinated by the Streetqueen, aka Ntsiki Mazwai and will give participants, both young and old, the opportunity to tell their own stories.
The Storytelling Competition on World Storytelling Day Saturday, March 21 is open to anyone over the age of 15 who can tell a good story. Pre-booking is essential.
Stories, which can be told in any of the official languages, should be no longer than 10 minutes. The first prize is R3 000, second prize R1 500 and third prize R750, while a prize of R500 will be awarded to the most promising storyteller.
At Sibikwa vetkoek, bunny chow, fruit and soft drinks will be on sale during lunch breaks.
The entry fees are R25 for the whole morning, R25 per workshop and R10 to enter the competition.
For more information go to www.sibikwa.co.za and for bookings contact Michael Mabena on 011 422 43 59 or email michael@sibikwa.co.za
