SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL

Playhouse Company to present 13th festival from July 31 to August 9.

The Playhouse Company’s 13th South African Women’s Arts Festival (SAWAF) will run at The Playhouse in Durban from July 31 until August 9. This annual highpoint on the South African arts calendar opens with the hugely popular hit, Queens of Comedy, starring Krijay Govender and Leeanda Reddy. This situation–character-sketch show plays in the Playhouse Opera on July 31, August 1 (two performances) and August 4.

Another high profile SAWAF 2009 attraction is acclaimed stage drama uThembalethu ‘Tsepang’ highlighting issues that challenge women and children in our society. Originally scripted in English by Lara Foot Newton and subsequently translated and adapted for isiZulu performances by Bheki Mkhwane, the show will be staged in its latter version in the Playhouse Loft Theatre from August 4 to 9. Directed by Maurice Podbrey, the production stars Mkhwane and Ntando Cele.

SAWAF’s 2009 Gala Concert spotlights the high-powered line-up of acclaimed Durban born diva Debora Fraser, much loved jazz icon Busi Mhlongo, gospel groups Avante and Old Time Religion Quartet, with celebrity MC’s Linda Sibiya and Dudu Khoza. This glitzy event takes place on August 8 in the Playhouse Opera, starting at 18h00.

Other SAWAF attractions are an Open Mic Poetry session, hosted by Gcina Mhlophe in the Grand Foyer on August 8 (admission free), and the hit musical Jimbo, directed by Themi Venturas and starring Jailoshini Naidoo, Percy Smith, Hamish Kyd and Afzal Khan, which runs in the Playhouse Drama until August 9.

Offering a fitting sequel to SAWF this year will be a short Durban season of the word’s favourite classical ballet, Giselle, presented in association with the Cape Town City Ballet. This touring production can be seen in the Playhouse Opera from August 13 to 16. Booking for all SAWAF productions is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or through the Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 or 031 360 0596 (office hours).