UMKONGA, OMHELS, THROUGH THE ARTS FESTIVAL AT NMMU

Umkonga, Omhels, through the arts festival at NMMU

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is on the move with bringing the arts to the institution, as well as the broader metro. A  Drama Festival entitled “Umkonga, Omhels through the arts festival, will be a celebration of the dramatic arts in all its glory. This  festival organized and presented by the Department of Arts and Culture at NMMU will be held at the Goldfields Auditorium, North Camus, on the 10^th and11th of September. It will include and feature artists in the field from different spheres, from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. Smile Music, a production company from Gauteng will be doing a university tour nationally, having around 8 partnerships with institutions around the country. This musical rendition of our land and our people promises not to disappoint.

Local Port Elizabeth professionals Nobesuthu Rayi, and Xabiso Zweni will be gracing our stages in the show entitled Monologues, accompanied by musicians to tell another South African tale of a mother and son, though not related, having parallel experiences. The NMMU Drama Society brings their own show called “Behind closed doors”, which tells the story of friendship, love, hardship of 3 couples living together, and the secrets that ultimately destroy them. We then have the production brought to you by the Faculty of Education, aptly entitled “Teacher Heaven.” It tells the story of two teachers arriving at heaven's gates expecting to be allowed in. However when they get there they discover that they not allowed in, instead their earthly activities as teachers are reviewed. The university will also be visited by guests from the Oldenberg University in Germany, who present to all the artists at the festival. RSVP’s can be made to Nicki-Ann.Rayepen@nmmu.ac.za, or the office on 041 504 2508. All shows will be free of charge, but donations will be welcome at the doors. Come along for some artistic enrichment!