Afrovibes Festival Brochure 2014

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa

Tues 4 – Sat 8 November

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afrovibesUK.com

Live TheatreBroad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ • Box Office: 0191 232 1232

live.org.uk Live Theatre Newcastle @LiveTheatre

Northern StageBarras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH • Box Office: 0191 230 5151

northernstage.co.uk Northern Stage @northernstage

afrovibesUK.com AfrovibesUK @afrovibesUK afrovibesUK

Afrovibes2014isaneventorganisedaspartoftheSouthAfricanSeasonintheUnitedKingdom2014&2015.Afrovibes originated in the Netherlands, where it is now in its eleventh edition. Produced in the UK by UK Arts International, the festival launched in Britain in 2010 where it is presented biennially. Between 13 October and 8 November, Afrovibes 2014 is visiting a total of 17 venues in the UK. In the Netherlands from 8 to 12 October this year Afrovibes can be seen in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Rotterdam. More information at afrovibes.nl

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South AfricaIn 2014, Afrovibes Festival marks 20 years of the new South Africa: 20 years since the ending of apartheid and the beginning of democracy. Award-winning artists bring us music, theatre, dance, photography and film, reflecting upon what it is to be part of 21st century South Africa. It’ll be thought-provoking, reflective, turbulent, energetic, exhilarating.

And Afrovibes is so much more than just a show: at its heart there’s the Township Cafe, with free events, family workshops, debates, late-night music, pop-up performances, creative work by local artists – and enticing South African-themed food. Some of the local highlights are listed here, or visit our website for more. So drop by, hang out or take part, and belong – you’ll believe that you really are thousands of miles from home!

‘In 1994 a new nation was born. Since then, our artists have shown the world that South Africa has stories to tell: stories that speak to the collective memory of who we are, that speak of life in South Africa today – stories that link us to the world.’ JamesNgcobo – Artistic Director, Afrovibes

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MamelaCurious Monkey in association with Live Theatre, the Swallows Foundation UK & Isiseko Senkjonjane present

Edited by Gez Casey and Ziphozake HloboDirected by Amy Golding

Mamela (‘Listen’) follows a group of remarkable young women from the Eastern Cape of South Africa: capturing the opinions, experiences and aspirations of those born towards the end of the Apartheid era, the “born-free” generation. A fusion of European and African theatre, this cutting edge, verbatim piece is moving personal testimony and storytelling, with traditional dances and songs complementing the spoken word. It’s a compelling, uplifting narrative for the 21st century.

PremieredattheNationalArtsFestival,GrahamstowninJuly2013,receivingaStandardBankOvationAwardforInnovationandArtisticExcellence.

“One leaves this production inspired… an unheralded gem”

Cue Magazine


When: Tue4–Thur6November•7.30pmWhere: Main Theatre– LiveTheatrePrices: Full£14–£10/over60sconcs£12–£10/otherconcs:£5Recommended age 10+

Join us for the Afrovibes Festival Launch Party after the Wed 5 November performance of Mamela – free for ticket holders

Mamelapost show discussionTue4Nov8.45pm

Free

RainbowScars

When: Thur6November•6.30pmWhere: NorthernStagePrices: £14.50(concsavailable)Recommended age 12+

Discussion of Rainbow Scars author Mike van Graan’s work Thur 6 November 5.30pm. Details in Fringe listings.

Artscape Theatre Centre presents

Written by Mike van GraanDirected by Lara Bye

During the post-apartheid period of reconciliation, white middle class Ellen Robinson and her family adopted a three year old black child, Lindiwe. Now, fourteen years later, she’s at high school, coming to terms with her life in a changing South Africa. All seems well – until her older cousin seeks her out and forces her to recognise and confront her true heritage, resulting in a turbulent crisis of identity…

“Mike van Graan remains one of the country’s most brilliantly incisive playwrights with an ability to capture the essence of the South African psyche”

Artlink South Africa

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RainbowScars Written by Mike van Graan

Directed by Lara Bye

The Soil+Ladies of Midnight Blue

Native Rhythms & Live Theatre in association with Jumpin’ Hot Club present

featuring Buhle Mda, Ntsika Ngxanga and Phindo Ngxanga

This a cappella vocal group from Soweto combines a stunning mix of township jazz, hip-hop, Afro-Pop and Afro-Soul. No instruments, no music lessons – just their own voices and local inspiration. The music is underpinned by great rhythmic vocal beat-boxing while the other two voices provide the ever-changing top lines.

The award-winning, platinum-selling trio comes to Afrovibes 2014 direct from the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Afrovibes music nights are famed for their energy and great sounds – and this year will be no exception!

“The threesome generate genuinely incredible music using only their voices. It’s a beautiful thing to witness”

The List

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When: Fri7November•8pmWhere: Main Theatre– LiveTheatrePrice: £12Suitable for all ages

live.org.uk Live Theatre Newcastle @LiveTheatre M

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OVERLEAF…

Biko’sQuest

When: Fri7&Sat8November•7.30pmWhere: NorthernStagePrices: £24–£14.50(concsavailable)Recommended age 10+

PLUS Closing night party – Sat 8 November, from 9pm – FREE

The Steve Biko Foundation in association with Artscape Theatre Centre & Jazzart Dance Theatre presents

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Choreography by Jackie Manyaapelo, Ina Wichterich-Mogane and Mzo GasaDirected by Mandla Mbothwe

“This one’s a winner … powerful, thought-provoking, moving and unforgettable”

Cape Times

Memory – Identity – History – Emotion: these are the cornerstones of Biko’s Quest. The life, death and legacy of the inspirational campaigner, murdered at the hands of the security police during the apartheid era in South Africa, give us this powerful large cast production. It takes the audience on a poignant and emotional journey through danced storytelling, often joyous, then dropping into the depths of tragedy. “It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die” Steve Biko.


SkierlikPresented by arrangement with Lentswe Arts Projects

Written and performed by Phillip M. Dikotla

When: Sat8November•4pmWhere: Studio Theatre– LiveTheatrePrices: Full£8/concs£6Recommended age 14+

Writers’ Workshop with Skierlik author Phillip M Dikotla Sat 8 Nov 11am. Details in Fringe listings

“I left the Baxter Theatre with my emotions shaken and stirred… I could smell the red dust while sitting in the dark of the theatre with the tears coursing down my cheeks.”

What’s On in Capetown

This award-winning play revisits the after effects of a racially-motivated shooting spree that devastated the remote settlement of Skierlik in 2008. Thomas lost his wife and three month old daughter in the atrocity, and he ran: the burden of living alone in the family home was unbearable. But now he’s returning. Riding the long dirt road back to Skierlik, we experience what he will face, back home in the tiny blue shack that he knows so well…WinnerofBestProductionat the 2013 Zabalaza Theatre Festival

WinneroftheStandardBankOvationAwardat the 2013 National Arts Festival, Grahamstown

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Biko’sQuest

Choreography by Jackie Manyaapelo, Ina Wichterich-Mogane and Mzo GasaDirected by Mandla Mbothwe


The Township Cafe and Afrovibes Festival FringeMamela post show discussion Meet director Amy Golding and the cast as they discuss the creation of the play from their own true stories. Tue4Nov8.45pm–LiveTheatre–£Free

Afrovibes Launch Party Join us for an Opening Night Party with music and performances from South African artists from within the festival programme.Wed5Nov8.30pm–LiveTheatre–£Freefor ticket holders for Mamela that evening.

Township Café at Northern StageNorthern Stage hosts the Afrovibes Township cafe, the heart of the festival in Newcastle. The Township Cafe is the setting for South African street-food and drink, relaxation, music, and a great time – South African style! Hang out with friends, catch free pop-up fringe performances, post-show discussions with the performers and soak up the African vibe with late-night events after the main shows. For the full Township cafe programme see www.northernstage.co.ukThur6toSat8November11amtilllate–justdropin.

Discussion about Mike van Graan’s work led by Gez Casey, Live Theatre’s Literary ManagerA pre-show discussion about Rainbow Scars and about Mike van Graan’s writing, including Brothers in Blood. Thur6Nov5.30pm–NorthernStage

Writers’ Workshop with Phillip M DikotlaSkierlik’screator Phillip M Dikotla leads a free workshop on writing theatre of the oppressed. Sat8Nov11am–Gallery,LiveTheatre –£Free Limited places, booking essential.

Afrovibes Closing Night PartyCelebrate the end of the festival in style, at our closing night party at the Township Café. Performances from artists in the Afrovibes programme including The Soil, plus guests The Crossings Choir.Sat8Nov9pm–TownshipCaféatNorthernStage–£FREE.

VisitsandWorkshopsforSchoolorCommunityGroups. If you are interested in bringing a school or community group for a workshop or performance, or to request a free Afrovibes education resource pack please contact [email protected]

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AfricaInspiredbyTylerDolanThis South African photographer with a unique hyper-realistic style presents Africa Inspired, a group of studio shots manipulated digitally to create his final vision: ‘I wanted to create images that show the vibrant colours of Africa and beauty all in one: this series is the result of merging the two.’

PopUpSouthAfricaGo on safari, hang out in the township or visit iconic South Africa sites with this fun, interactive festival photography project. Prepare to be amazed! No need to book – just turn up. Family friendly and FREE. For dates and venue check afrovibesUK.com/takepart

CrossingCulturalBordersRunning alongside the main programme of Afrovibes events is a series of seminars, discussions and debates for arts professionals, focusing on the arts in the new South Africa. Seewww.afrovibesUK.com for details.

GlobalChoirCalling all singers ... Add your voice to this celebration of freedom by learning a song based on the words of Nelson Mandela and uploading it to the virtual choir online! For more information about this exciting project and how you can

be involved, visit www.afrovibesUK.com/takepart

Newforthisyear: if you are a practising artist, register with the Festival to receive your ARTIST PASS. You’ll get invitations to

our Crossing Cultural Borders events which include networking sessions, panel discussions, sharings, open mic nights etc. and there will be some special ticket deals, too. See afrovibesUK.com for details. To sign up: just email [email protected], putting ARTIST PASS in the subject header.

Artist Pass

Brothers in Blood Directed by Amy BonsallA moving drama exploring relations between Muslims, Christians and Jews, and the devastating consequences of misunderstandings, set against Cape Town gang wars of the 1990s.Thu6Nov3.30pm–TownshipCaféatNorthernStage–£Free.No need to book.

Elusive Spring Directed by Kate StaffordA dark political thriller throwing the spotlight on a world of power, corruption and manipulation in post-colonial South Africa.Sat8Nov2pm–LiveTheatre–£Free, pre-booking required.There will be a Q&A session with members of the creative team following both readings.

Live TheatreBroad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ • Box Office: 0191 232 1232


Northern StageBarras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH • Box Office: 0191 230 5151


Rehearsed readings of two plays by Mike van Graan Presented by Bilimankhwe International Theatre

Mike van Graan is one of South Africa’s leading contemporary playwrights. His award-winning work explores the truth of life in today’s South Africa.


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UK Arts International in association with Afrovibes Foundation Netherlands presents

Patron: Dame Janet Suzman


South Africa at 20: The Freedom Tour Alongside the live Afrovibes festival programme, the five UK African film festivals*

are presenting a tour of South African films at various locations, reflecting 20 years of

democracy: details at www.africa-in-motion.org.uk/SAfilmtour. Film in South Africa

gives a voice to those whose stories were previously suppressed, and contributes to

shaping this young democracy. The FreedomTour films encompass the best of South

African cinema, past and present.*Africa in Motion (Scotland), Film Africa (London), Afrika Eye (Bristol), Watch-Africa (Wales), and the Cambridge African Film Festival

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WEEK COMMENCING 13 October• Stratford Circus, London E15

stratford-circus.com

• The Albany, London SE8 thealbany.org.uk

• Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea taliesinartscentre.co.uk

WEEK COMMENCING 26 October• South Hill Park, Bracknell

southhillpark.org.uk/afrovibes

• The Black-E & Unity Theatre, Liverpool theblack-e.co.ukunitytheatreliverpool.co.uk

• Contact, Manchester contactmcr.com/afrovibes

• Nottingham Lakeside Arts lakesidearts.org.uk

WEEK COMMENCING 20 October• mac & The Drum, Birmingham

macbirmingham.co.ukthe-drum.org.uk

• Chapter, Cardiff chapter.org/afrovibes

• The Courtyard, Hereford courtyard.org.uk/afrovibes

WEEK COMMENCING 3 November• The Dukes, Lancaster

dukes-lancaster.org/afrovibes

• Live Theatre & Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne live.org.uknorthernstage.co.uk

• Summerhall, Edinburgh summerhall.co.uk

• Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow cca-glasgow.com

Afrovibes Festival Brochure 2014

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Transcript of Afrovibes Festival Brochure 2014