Artscape aims to be a haven for all communities as we showcase women during August, which marks Women’s Month.
The 16th edition of the Artscape Women Humanities Arts Festival will take place from 3 to 27 August, with a series of stage productions, two book launches, a film screening, among other things.
There will also be a number of festivities on Women’s Day, August 9, with a Circle of Care at
the centre of the festival in solidarity with all victims of the COVID pandemic, and those affected by gender-based violence.
This is the first post-COVID festival that aims to provide a space for healing – with themes of breathing, grounding, care and belonging.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human right violations in South Africa, and knows no economic or social boundaries. The Circle of Care aims to remember those who suffered through this scourge of society by inhaling their hurt, pain and trauma, and exhaling their memories and wholeness in a peaceful, safe space.
Says Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux: “Every year during Women’s Month, we at Artscape as a collective raise our voice using the Arts as a conduit through the Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival highlighting the profile, power, performance and plight of women in particular. Equally we celebrate the great strides we have made as a gender, and indeed together as a country including paying tribute to those who have led the way to secure our emancipation. This year as we return to normality after two gruelling years of restrictions, I invite all Capetonians to join us as we actively demonstrate our care for ourselves, for others, for others not like ourselves, for our children, the environment and even for our adversaries, by joining hands in a moment of silence and raising our voices”.
Here is a taste of the line-up this month:
Beryl Botman launches her book on 1 August, With (-Out) You which is a true-life journey of a woman dealing with the sudden loss of her husband. She will also be having a conversation with Woman Zone as part of their podcast series.
The Femme Fantasties spectacular concert will act as the opening of the Women’s Month celebrations on 1 August. Produced by AKTV-Crescendo its alumni, SAMA-nominated singer and songwriter, Jodi Jantjies, will be joined by a powerhouse musical line-up including the Lady Day Big Band, Vicky Sampson, Anna Davel, Tracey-Lee Olivier, Zimbini as well as the talented UWC Creative Arts Choir. Come dance and boogie with five divine divas as they offer up a musical buffet with lots of spice and energy. In the show, the women artists will all sing together in Afrikaans, English, Afri-Kaaps and several traditional African languages
Spertyd: – 3 – 4 August
This adaption of Elsa Joubert’s autobiography describes her journey through a contentment of age.
She writes about the ageing process honestly and devoid of sentiment. This insightful, intimate
story is performed by the amazing Sandra Prinsloo and is produced by Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck
and Alexa Strachan. Philip Rademeyer’s adaptation of Elsa Joubert’s autobiographic work is a definite highlight developed by the Aardklop Arts Festival! Sandra Prinsloo was nominated for a Fiëstas award as best actress and in 2022 the production received the Fleur du Cap award for best performance in a one person show
The Unlikely Secret Agent: 4 – 9 August
Written and directed by award winning actor and playwright, Paul du Toit, and based on the Alan Paton Award winning novel by Ronnie Kasrils, the story tells of Eleanor, an unassuming, young
single mother who is arrested in Durban and interrogated in a 90-day detention over her lover and notorious “Terrorist”, Red Ronnie Kasrils. This is a true depiction of bravery and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The Unlikely Secret Agent was nominated for eight Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, with Paul du Toit winning Best Director
Yekabani le Panty (Who’s panty is this): 4 – 9 August
A gripping performance by Peggy Tunyiswa and Carin Bester is about a white woman and black
woman who unpack their differences and challenge the oppression between them and take back
their power. This site-specific interventional performance art piece questions the patriarchal
structure on womxn.
Karin Kortje in Cabaret: 5 – 6 August
Set in the 1920s, Karin Kortje plays the role of Betty at a Cabaret show scene. Kortje and Zeldene
McDonald will give a spectacular display of dance, dress-up, song and glamour like never experienced before. This tantalising tale is perfectly choreographed by Rushney Ferguson and written by Kyra Loubser. This production is a perfect example of three women of colour working together during COVID, showing that it’s never too late to start over.
Broken Crayons Still Colour Beautifully – symposium for women living with disabilities: 8 August
The festival is hosting this moving, inaugural symposium which offers unique opportunities for
women living with disabilities including dialogue, networking and exposure. This closed event will
host queens from business, government, media, entertainment and NGOs to promote inclusion,
celebrate and inspire one another with a life changing conversation.
Woman Zone Book Launch – Women of Soil – changing lives: 8 August
To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Woman Zone are producing a book in partnership with NPO Soil for Life who turns 20 this year. The book, Women of Soil – changing lives, primarily features
the stories of 10 women home food gardeners. Soil for Life will be supplying 100 miniature
spekboom plants which will be distributed at the Circle of Care on Womens’ Day on 9 August.
Woman Zone Fine Music Radio Women’s Show: 8 August
Woman Zone hosts an hour-long Women’s show which will be broadcast on Fine Music Radio with
an interesting line up of powerful women.
Woman Zone Programme: 9 August
Woman Zone is associated with the concept of the Circle of Care, an event where women, men
and youth will stand together in a circle of solidarity to have a moment of silence for all victims, of
the pandemic and GBV. There will also be a tree planting, interfaith blessing, guided breathing facilitated by Pramilla Vassen, poetry and choirs leading the public in song. This will all be on the programme in celebration of Women’s Day.
AbFab Drag: 9 August
As a tribute to the LGBTIQA+ Community and as part of the Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival 2022, the annual hit, ABFAB DRAG, returns with a bang for ONE show only on the 9th August 2022. With fine feathers preened, false eyelashes fluttering and sequins glittering, the fiercely feminine/masculine are gathering to celebrate the world of “lip sync”, with ambiguous seduction and gender identification. Cape Town has a scintillating DRAG tradition that dates back to the thirties, especially in vibrant District Six. Today the pageants, the parties, the hair dressing salons, and the fabulous drag queen “balls” still flourish across the City. However, it`s often hosted in underground clubs, catering to a select few who know where to find them. ABFAB DRAG endeavours to put the crème de la crème of DRAG centre stage.
It features top class, DRAG divas Vida Fantabisher, SA’s Got Talent 2016 runner-up Manila von Teez, as well as Kat Gilardi, Jayde Kay Johnson and Angel Lalamore of drag cabaret group 3D fame, all choreographed and put together with the sublime dancers of the Jazzart Dance Theatre. MC Soli Philander is no stranger to the Artscape Stage and will narrate you through this magical show. Basil Appollis stiches it all together and cracks the designer whip as director.
We boast with “SOLD OUT” houses in previous years so book early. This show promises to deliver fabulous entertainment, share Basil.
Two Hues Film Screening: 9 August
This event comprises of a film screening of the proof-of-concept short film, Two Hues, followed by
an information session. This revealing, 16min short film movie follows the journey of a bipolar
photographer while navigating patriarchy in a Muslim family, as well as a male-dominated
advertising agency.
Onder Die Brug 25 – 27 August
This story, written by Raydene Le Roux, tells an adventurous tale of a young man who ran away
from his small-town life to Cape Town, in search of a better life. However, things don’t quite work out. The character, Allan, shares how he finds himself ‘Onder ‘n Brug’.
The Festival is supported by the City of Cape.
Artscape is an agency of the Department of
Sports, Arts and Culture, and all events are hosted in the glorious multi-purpose theatre, owned by
the Western Cape Government.
Tickets can be purchased at Computicket or via Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695.
For media enquiries, please contact Candice@headsupcomm.co.za or cell: 0769589593
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WOMEN OF SOIL: changing lives book launch
Woman Zone, which turns 10 this year, are producing a book in partnership with NPO Soil for Life who turn 20.
The book, called Women of Soil – changing lives, celebrates the milestone of these two NPOs, and will launch at Artscape on 8 August. Women of Soil – changing lives highlights the stories of 10 female home food gardeners and how gardening has has the potential to change lives. It also includes information on how to grow your own vegetables, and inspiring messages for those with green fingers, and empowering those who are just starting out. The book is a representation of growth, and how growing your own food brings security, empowerment and healthy lifestyles – all centred around your own food garden.
Womens’ Day programme
Artscape’s piazza will be a hive of activity on Women’s Day in celebration of women, and in solidarity of those who fell victim to gender-based violence in our city.
At the centre of the celebration is the Circle of Care facilitated by Woman Zone, during which guests will participate in interfaith blessings, breathing exercises, and singalongs.
There will also be a series of art installations including poetry and storyboards, as well as a spekboom planting ceremony to symbolise grounding and a safe space.
Attendees can leave their mark in the form of a handprint on a canvass, or an inspirational message of their choice. Light refreshments will be served.
The events of the day include a film screening and information session of Two Hues, and ends off with the glamorous local drag personalities, which will perform the most entertaining lip syncing.
Additional programme items
Woman Zone have been liaising with the Life Righting Collective who ran a series of writing workshops themed
‘Living with disability: caring and coping’. A selection of the written results will be posted on
Artscape’s website later this month.
Finally, Woman Zone’s totem statue – the 2m high Wire Woman, will this year be dressed in an
outfit celebrating new growth in keeping with the theme of the book.
Partners to date:
Artscape prides itself in its partnerships with its stakeholders to bring audiences a variety of the best productions. The Women’s Humanity Festival was made possible by Artscape and the following NPOs, each bringing a unique contribution to the ongoing success of the celebration.
- New World Foundation
- DeafSA
- CANSA
- Amy Foundation
- Glenroma Women’s Empowerment Network (GWEN)
- Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies