National Arts Festival Acts to make a showing in the Bay

The National Arts Festival (NAF)in association with the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) is proud to announce the hosting of “The Second Season of Solo Theatre at the Athenaeum in Nelson Mandela Bay”.  The initiative is a result of a joint partnership between the NAF and the MBDA in an effort to extend the world renowned National Arts Festival into Nelson Mandela Bay. The MBDA is also building up an audience development program that will see over 200 learners, mainly from previously disadvantaged areas and arts institutions, gaining access to the shows at the Athenaeum from the 8th July until the 13th July. The MBDA will also be offering interested groups a guided tour of Route 67, the iconic heritage route that celebrates Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of struggle against apartheid.

Dorelle Sapere, MBDA Planning and Development Manager, says ‘The development of arts and the wider creative economy of the City is very much a priority for the MBDA. We take it upon ourselves to proactively develop platforms for artists as well as audience in order to stimulate this golden economy”.

The six shows on offer at the Athenaeum will include:

Women in Waiting

Woman in Waiting is a powerful biographical journey into the dark heart of what life was like for women in apartheid South Africa.

Tuesday 8 July at 19:00

Meze, Mira & Make Up

Mira’s journey of self-discovery as she bares her soul with irrepressible joy and pain, and takes us on a journey of our own as she uses every second to convey language laughter and lesson or two.

Wednesday 9 July at 19:00

Designer Genes

Designer Genes XXL represents the next evolutionary step in showcasing the inherent hilarity of relationship politics.

Thursday 10 July at 19:00

Salam Stories

Ashraf Johaardien is a funny, moving and political poignant meditation on life, love and loss.

Friday 11 July at 19:00

My Word

Richard Rive’s renowned novel about the Forced removals of District Six

Saturday 12 July at 19:00

Cheaper than Roses

A heart-warming, unusual, funny and sad story of a woman who did not want to be “Cheaper than Roses”

Sunday 13 July at 19:00

Tickets are already available at Computicket from R60.00

The audience development outreach areas targeted include Walmer, Uitenhage, KwaZakhele, New Brighton, Motherwell, Helenvale and Schauderville.

All schools, institutions or arts development organizations wanting to participate can contact; Oyama Vanto, the MBDA, Project Leader on 041 811 8220 or Asanda Mlata, Athenaeum Manager, on 041 585 1041 for more information.