SA WOMEN'S ARTS FESTIVAL

Always a highpoint on The Playhouse Company’s arts and entertainment calendar, the annual South African Women’s Arts Festival (SAWAF) runs from July 25 to August 17, 2013. The high-profile festival line-up features three drama productions, a double bill of dance and the ever popular Open Mic and Dialogue sessions that have become SAWAF fixtures over the past few years.

Opening this year’s SAWAF programme is She Died Dreaming presented in the Playhouse Loft from July 25 to 27. This fast-paced story of an ambitious, glamorous and slightly wild career woman seeking love - that final piece to complete life’s package - will keep you on the edge of your seat. Join her and her friends on this often funny, sometimes poignant journey in search of the perfect life and love. Written and directed by the acclaimed Jullian Seleke Mokoto, receiver of two FNB Vita Awards, the play features a cast of top performers, including Nomsa Buthelezi (Skwizas), Kelly Khumalo, Zama Ngcobo (Generations) and Linda Sebezo (Generations). Tickets R65.

Mother to Mother is a powerful play based on the tragic murder of political activist Amy Biehl. Powerhouse actress, Thembi Mtshali, renders a moving performance as she has a ‘conversation’ – mother to mother. Directed by Janice Honeyman, this incredible production carrying a message of forgiveness and reconciliation can be seen in the Playhouse Loft between July 31 and August 3.

Entrance to this year’s SAWAF Open Mic session is once again free to the public and will be held on August 3 starting at 13h00 in the Playhouse Drama. The two-hour poetry session, in celebration of Women’s Month, will feature prominent artists such as Lebo Mashile, Naima McLean, Malika Ndlovu, Sbo Da Poet and many more. The poetry session will be directed by Dr Gcina Mhlophe. Members of the poetry community are also given an opportunity to participate in this session.

Written and directed by Ronnie Govender, Botoo, a long-awaited stage piece based on Dr Devi Rajab’s book, Women South Africans of India Origin, premieres in the Playhouse Loft  and runs from August 8 to 17. Govender has chosen to focus on an interview the writer had with Dr Gonum, a visionary and a feminist who took part in the Passive Resistance Movement. She dressed in the traditional way yet smoked and drank. She was a woman of contradictions and has sparked many debates over the years. Tickets R100 (R35 students).

The Flatfoot Dance Company, celebrating their 10th anniversary, will present the first half of a high energy dance double bill which will run in the Playhouse Drama from August 8 to 11. With choreography by Lliane Loots, this compelling piece entitled Hope features the six resident dancers of this award winning and internationally acclaimed Durban-based dance company. The performance will see the dancers collaborating with Durban musician Shannon Hope live on stage. Complementing this work is Imvula, choreographed by award-winning dance luminary, Christopher Kindo, and performed by the Playhouse Dance Residency. This piece encapsulates the essence of rain and movement and is accompanied by a brand new classical contemporary creation by Kindo. Tickets for this double bill R80 (R35 students).

Set to provide a wealth of stimulating discussion generating much food for thought, this year’s SAWAF Dialogue Session will be held on August 10 in the Playhouse Grand Foyer, with the participation of leading role players in both the business and political sectors. The topic for this year’s dialogue is “Having it all” – Work and family life in the 21st century. Entrance to this session is free.

Coral Bijoux from Amazwi Abesifazane – Voices of Woman Museum, will once again curate an educational exhibition, in collaboration with The Playhouse Company entitled ‘Conversations We Do Not Have’.

The Arts & Crafts exhibition and has grown considerably and, in addition to David Gachomo from Curio Africa, we also welcome for the first time The South Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (SAWEN) crafters. Both groups will have a wide selection of arts and crafts on sale to the public in the Main Foyer from July 25– August 17 2013.

Block bookings are available and preferential rates are also applicable to bookings of ten or more. For more information on these or to make a block booking, contact Dawn Haddon, Sales Co-ordinator on 031 369 9456 or salescoordinator@playhousecompany.com.

Single ticket bookings for all SAWAF productions are available via the Playhouse Company website, www.playhousecompany.com or through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or call the Playhouse box office on 031 369 9540 / 031 369 9596 (office hours).