Dear Patrons
What a joyous month we’ve just emerged from as we could celebrate 31 years of freedom marking that historic day on 27 April 1994 when we entered our new dawn. It gave us hope in action, taking us from darkness into light, showing our nation that ‘Nothing is impossible.’
The theme for Freedom Month 2025 this year was: “United in Resilience for the Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy.”
One of the cornerstones of that democracy is freedom of expression – to be who you want to be.
In this vein I’d like to highlight a special production that Artscape will feature this May month. The cultural institution is well known for its seriousness to commit to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Last year Artscape partnered with Lief en Leed – a non-profit organisation in Mamre, dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities – as part of our annual Rural Outreach programme taking the theatre to the people in this West Coast town on the border of the Cape Metro. Produced by Yazeed Kamaldien the documentary Ons Is Wat Ons Is (We Are What We Are) chronicles the lives of the areas’ persons with disabilities underscoring the acceptance of oneself, despite external perceptions or societal expectations. A special screening of the documentary in the Theatre Well on Friday 2 May at 19h00 will be followed by the mind-blowing Kunstetreffers Concert as part of this year’s Suidoosterfees with a host of well-known artists as well as local artists from the Mamre/Atlantis community. Detailed information is contained in the listings below.
Speaking of the Suidoosterfees. Don’t miss this annual event of fun colour and vibrancy that celebrates local culture and heritage throughout all the venues in the theatre complex. Showcasing from 30 April to 04 May it features a performing arts smorgasbord of over 100 productions including drama, theatre, music, topical book discussions, concerts, piazza socials all set within a lekker kuier atmosphere, with all your favourite stars in attendance. More detailed information is contained below.
Launch Into The Deep promises an unforgettable night of Gospel. The High Schools Nasheed Competition sees the Muslim youth reciting passages from the Quran.
Adam Small’s Krismas van Map Jacobs is our Grade 12 Afrikaans setwork production. The cabaret Vincent returns chronicling the life of Vincent van Gogh’s search for love. The Proscenium Drama Competition introduces young people to the performing arts. Verdi’s masterpiece Aida, produced by Cape Town Opera showcases an all-African cast. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar features political intrigue, and betrayal. We end off the month in celebration of Africa Day with our Grade 12 isiXhosa setwork, Witness K. Tamsanqa’s Buzani Ku Bawo
In parting I’d like to leave you with this thought. Let’s put our differences aside and walk the path of humility/dignity/collective respect for the sacrifices thousands have made with their lives and life-long scars, for us to say: Freedom is for all South Africans and we are what we are.
See you at Artscape to experience the power of the Arts.
Kind Regards
Marlene
Marlene le Roux
CEO