Nestled between the towering Table Mountain and the stunning Table Bay, in the heart of Cape Town, lies the Artscape Theatre Centre in Foreshore. This vibrant arts hub offers a diverse array of performances that cater to a wide range of tastes, from sophisticated theatergoers to those seeking an evening of laughter or musical delight.
One of the most anticipated events is the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival, now in its 17th year. This gathering aims to empower women and celebrate their contributions to the arts. It reflects on the courage of the 20,000 women who marched against racial oppression on August 9, 1956, and works to empower women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The festival features an array of activities, from art installations and workshops to theatrical performances.
A standout show this month is My Kroon se Krank, a theatrical journey of renewal, repentance, and new beginnings set against the backdrop of Miss South Africa 2019, Zozibini Tunzi’s crowning as Miss Universe. The play follows three characters as they navigate their personal and societal challenges in a world where natural hair is more fashionable than ever.
For those who love acrobatics, MOYA is a must-see. This high-energy show combines contemporary and traditional circus elements and is based on the award-winning Acrobatic Art Film. The performance features a new original score by Josh Hawks, former bass player of Freshlyground, and celebrates unity and diversity through its unique artistic interpretation.
On Women’s Day, Dope Saint Jude takes the stage with her first live band performance in South Africa in over five years. This special show features a full live band and an opening act by Drag Queen Manila von Teez, a long-time collaborator of Dope Saint Jude.
Do Not Fear The Past: A Mother’s Word explores the universal theme of a mother’s love through a multidisciplinary collaboration led by Stanford associate professor of classics, Grant Parker, and music lecturer Marie-Louise Catsalis. The performance features a string quartet, soprano Donita Volkwijn, and a newly commissioned piece by Bongani Ndodana-Breen.
For a touch of glamour, the annual ABFAB DRAG event returns to Artscape shortly after Women’s Day. This dazzling show features top-class drag divas and talented dancers of the Jazzart Dance Theatre. With Soli Philander as MC and Basil Appollis as director, this is a night not to be missed.
Ballet enthusiasts will be thrilled to see Don Quixote, an extraordinary production by Maina Gielgud, featuring Kirstel Paterson, a Principal Dancer of the Cape Town City Ballet, and Jonathan Levya, a First Soloist of the National Ballet of Cuba. This comedic ballet is loosely based on an episode from the Cervantes novel and features the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in select performances.
He Had It Coming, a production by MVG Productions, uses comedy, satire, song, poetry, and drama to address the scourge of gender-based violence. The show, which first premiered in October 2016, has evolved to include new sketches and a version aimed at younger audiences.
Finally, the Schools’ Arts Festival aims to nurture a love for theater and performing arts among young people by offering them a chance to perform on a professional stage. This festival fosters nation-building and cultural understanding, bringing together children and parents from diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of performing arts.
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