09 JUNE 2025
What an exciting weekend at Artscape as Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis strutted the catwalk at the Khayelitsha Fashion Week (KFW) held in the Chandelier Foyer Saturday 07 June. Celebrating its “Decade of Style” tenth anniversary it the Mother City’s finest fashion including Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux strutting the catwalk too in a Gcogco Clothing Studio design equally serving as a reminder of the inclusivity of fashion expression by persons with disabilities. A host of media covered the event including the French TV channel.
For over a decade, KFW has provided a platform for emerging designers, photographers, and models. Founded by Bongani Matenjwa, the designers who need a studio will have access to Artscape’s Wardrobe department as announced by the CEO at the event.
In the Arena the sounds of the Shirley Bassey tribute show, Diamonds, came to a close on Saturday too after slow ticket sales during the week but picked up considerably over the weekend’s performances.
Meanwhile patrons were mesmerised with magic as the College of Magic played sleight of hand, illusions, tricks and fun to sold out shows over the weekend too. This entertaining family affair sees parents, children and grandparents alike come out to enjoy this spectacle.
The isiXhosa setwork production too played to a sold-out run as Grade 12 learners flocked to see Buzani ku Bawo. Its popularity was evident as manifested at the start of the run with a waiting list of more than 1000 learners hoping to see the magnificence of Witness K Tamsanqa as adapted by celebrated actor and director Thoko Ntishinga.
ANCILLARY EVENTS
The South African Family and Faith Institute (SAFFI) held its two-day conference at Artscape. One of their key objectives is “to advance a coordinated, multi sectoral, culturally competent restorative justice response to violence against women and children by being a resource to religious leaders, institutions and faith communities”. They are key partner is this regard to the annual Women’s Humanity Festival.
Charles Banjatwa represented Artscape at the South African School Choral Eisteddfod,2025, including Artscape branding. The Eisteddfod showcased vocal talent as secondary school choirs delivering powerful performances. A highlight was the Paarl School choir that won the Special Needs Section for the 3rd consecutive year
The CEO presented a paper at the Tribuo conference entitled “How do you manage a multifaceted entity like Artscape, which is home to a diverse range of companies such as Opera, Jazzart, etc”
The conference is presented by the Tribuo Fund as part of their Tribuo Sessions series that was held from 5-7 June 2025 at STIAS in Stellenbosch. Discussions and presentations focused on how leaders and creators are navigating change, driving innovation and shaping the future of the arts in South Africa.
AUDITIONS
Auditions were held for Pretty Woman The Musical that will be staged next year by Showtime Management South Africa.
IN MEMORIAM
Cape Town Opera lost one of its tenors, Lula Nqadini who joined Cape Town Opera in 2015, Lula brought extraordinary talent and heartfelt passion to the stage, gracing Artscape’s theatres on numerous occasions as a vital part of CTO’s productions. His artistry, warmth, and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike.
His memorial will be held on Wednesday in the Chandelier Foyer.
UPCOMING
Artscape’s commitment to Youth empowerment will be evident this upcoming weekend leading up to Youth Day with the Theatre as busy as ever.
On Friday evening, 13 June the 22nd Youth Jazz Series will showcase 14 young musicians who had auditioned to be part of this year’s iteration providing them a platform to showcase their skills on a professional platform after the mentorship course under the leadership of Associate Professor Amanda Tiffin of the UCT College of Music. There has been keen media interest in this upcoming showcase with coverage on Enca, SABC, and an upcoming Expresso interview among others.
On Saturday evening, 14 June the School Jazz Bands takes to the stage to show their mettle as latter were selected by Keith Tabisher of the Western Cape Department of Education who is a partner to this production. The Youth Jazz Series is made possible by the funding of the City of Cape Town and supported by the Suidoosterfees.
Meanwhile earlier the morning CCFM will host The 4th Annual CCFM Career Expo – where education, empowerment and inclusivity converge. More than 1000 learners are expected to attend with up to 60 exhibitors. The Social Development MEC Londt will open the exhibition
And during the course of the afternoon the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), will host their graduation ceremony in the Arena.
This event will showcase the transformative impact of the YLTP through powerful testimonies, highlighting personal growth and overcoming challenges, such as crippling social anxiety.
On Tuesday Tshika takes to the stage. Written by Tefo Paya, Directed and Produced by Jerry Pooe and Managed by Wushwini Pan African Arts Centre Tshika focuses on bloodlines. How culture, tradition and trauma are carried from one generation to another.
