If you’re watching your wallet and can’t decide which of the 500 productions to see at the National Arts Festival this year, consider these shows that cost nothing but let you experience the magic of Fest.
If you’re watching your wallet and can’t decide which of the 500 productions to see at the National Arts Festival this year, consider these shows that cost nothing but let you experience the magic of Fest.
Amathole
A unique blend of African and Western styles in this street theatre performance might be over the top, but it’s a great story with lots to keep the whole family enteratined. Uphondo Lwe Afrika group, in partnership with the people of Grahamstown, put this massive production together. This hour-long show would be the ideal afternoon dessert for the whole family after that delicious Sunday lunch. Watch it on Sunday at 4pm at the Rhodes University Drostdy Lawns ending at Dog’s Dam and Botanical Gardens. Wear comfortable shoes.
Angeli e Demoni
This Euro-centric production filled with fireworks and mythical beasts is a festival of colour, costume and sound. Children will delight in the twists and turns the plot provides and the magic spell will soon make all forget about anything else, at least for an hour. Catch it on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 7pm at Dog’s Dam and the Botanical Gardens.
Undoing
Be spellbound by the Japanese art of Butoh. It’s all about freedom, movement and soulful living. In collaboration with the designer brand, Black Coffee, the 2009 winner of the Mercedes Benz Award for South African Arts & Culture, this is an unusual piece that will not be easy to forget. Starring Ankoku Butoh performer Frauke and Rhodes gradate Vincent Truter. Watch them at the Drostdy Lawns from Tuesday 29 June to Sunday 4 July at 1.15pm.
The Giant Match
This uniquely rainbow nation production starring 32 giant puppets each measuring up to four metres high is the South African allegory of Romeo and Juliet. So you can only imagine the mayhem and madness of the multi-cultural/international cast and the storyline presented in a way only South Africans can! The symbolism of the world in Africa will not be lost on you with the first African World Cup and the arts working together and uniting the global village our world has become. Showing on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 June 10am at the Drostdy lawns.
More free stuff
After a long day trawling the stalls at all the fairs, a sundowner of free live music in the Fountain Foyer at the Settlers Monument is exactly what you need. The AMAZ!NG stage No 1 at the Transnet Village Green Fair will have performances by your favourite Fringe artists as well as some new faces. As will the AMAZ!NG stage no 2 at Fiddler’s Market every afternoon.
Use Grahamstown NOW to find out what’s on at Fest right now and in the next few hours! Go to http://ghtnow.co.za on your phone or computer.
