The Innibos National Arts Festival has shaken off the Covid blues and is back to its high-energy self, and this year’s winter promises to sizzle in Mbombela.
Apart from a jam-packed programme that will unfold at the festival grounds at Hoërskool Bergvlam from June 29 to July 2, several events will be held at other venues across Mbombela.
English productions and events not to be missed include the Poetry Slam, Opera Extravaganza and the Ultimate Kasi Experience.
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The Poetry Slam, Words in my Mouth, a Mbombela poetry platform, promotes arts in the city in general and provides up-and-coming poets with the opportunity to perform.
The event takes place on June 30 and July 1, from 16:30 to 19:30, at 420MP Suikerriet Street. Call Menzi Mkhonza on 073 512 1435 for more information.
Opera Extravaganza is a glorious celebration of the genre and takes place at the Mbombela Civic Theatre on July 2 at 13:00.
The production features internationally renowned South African performers who will delight with classics such as Pablo de Sarasate’s violin fantasy, the Carmen Fantasy, and an eight-hand two-piano arrangement of Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro.
The stalwart of South African opera, soprano Loveline Madumo, will be joined by bass Otto Maidi and mezzo Linette van der Merwe, while the esteemed Juilliard School graduate, Zanta Hofmeyr, will dazzle on the violin.Several of the choral delights from operatic repertoire will be performed by the Nocoré Ensemble, and Theresa Prinsloo will lead six virtuoso pianists. Walter Fourie, a local, is the producer of this magnificent production.
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The Ultimate Kasi Experience will offer an explosion of food and culture. It takes place at the Urban House in Sonpark on July 1 from noon until late. Patrons can enjoy a delicious selection of traditional African and township cuisine, including lidombolo (dumplings), maotwana (chicken feet) and kasi peri-peri chips, to name a few.
These tasty treats, paired with local drinks and vibrant live entertainment, set the stage for local craftsmen to showcase their innovative products.
This is your chance to savour the taste of Africa or own original African creations. To reserve your spot, call 081 844 0505.
If it’s stage plays you’re looking forward to, don’t miss the doyenne of Afrikaans theatre, Sandra Prinsloo, in the drama Kamphoer, or the comedies Laerskool Noord with Marion Holm, Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck, Ilne Fourie and Neels Coetzee; Reünie with Frank Opperman (written by Dana Snyman); and Hans gee Herklaas horings with Tobie Cronjé. Mirakel, one of the festival’s flagship productions, features Dawid Minnaar, Bettie Kemp, Edwin van der Walt and Rolanda Marais.
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While these plays take place at venues outside the festival grounds, there is an easy shuttle service to get you there and back from the main festival.
Also not to be missed is the free Praise Him Innibos concert at Church Unlimited on July 2, featuring Jo Black.
As always, a diverse programme of events has been planned, both at the festival grounds and at the external venues. For the full festival programme and links to ticket sales, visit www.innibos.co.za.
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