First annual National Storytelling Day honours living legend Dr Gcina Mhlophe
The first National Storytelling Day is declared to be on Thursday, 24 October, of every year on Dr Gcina Mhlophe's birthday, the country's most prominent storyteller.
GCINAMASIKO Arts and Heritage Trust (GAHT) will present National Storytelling Day at the Bluff Showgrounds on Thursday, 24 October. Featuring and hosted by the director of GAHT, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, whose birthday celebration is combined with the function.
The event will also feature, renowned musician Madala Kunene, Thandi Swartbooi from Women Unite Cape Town, Bongiswa Kota from Freedom Park, Indian storyteller Marla Gounden, traditional instrumentalist Bavikile Ngema, musicians Victor Sithole and Njabulo Shabalala, Umlazi Comtech’s jazz band among others.
GAHT in partnership with eThekwini Library Services, Department of Parks and Recreation are proud to bring National Storytelling Day to the Bluff Showgrounds for the first time. African Stories under the Storytelling Tree has been a monthly event held since August of this year at the Bluff showgrounds under the large wild fig tree, showcasing music, storytelling, poetry, history telling and more for the entire family. South Africa’s first National Storytelling Day, is declared to be on Thursday, 24 October, of every year on Dr Gcina Mhlophe’s birthday, South Africa’s most prominent storyteller.
READ ALSO: IN PICTURES: Stories come alive under the tree
People are encouraged to honour this day by telling or reading stories in classrooms, libraries and the workplace in all nine provinces of the country at 11am. Bluff Showgrounds attendees can expect storytelling, music, dance, book displays, indigenous music and other art forms that celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage. There will also be learners from various schools present to watch and participate.
National Storytelling Day event is free of charge. People are encouraged to bring their book displays. There will be a tent and chairs for special guests and adult audiences but there is also enough space to bring picnic chairs or blankets should there not be enough chairs.
The event will run from 11am to 3pm.
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