HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

The following are highlights on the History Channel:

 

The Proof is Out There S5

February 21

Saturdays 19h25

Host and veteran journalist Tony Harris is once again on a quest for answers, calling out the hoaxes, and highlighting the most credible evidence. Did ocean scientists discover an unknown life form? Was a UFO tracking an American fighter plane? Do the chemicals found on two fishermen’s clothes prove they were abducted by aliens? These are just a taste of the compelling questions this season seeks to answer through expert analysis of archival visuals.

 

The Curse Of Oak Island S13

February 27

Fridays 20h15

The #1 US Hit returns. Is it pirate treasure, a Viking hoard, or a lost biblical relic? No-one knows, and anyone who has tried to find out has been met with dangerous setbacks, including booby traps! The Lagina brothers deploy technology like never before in this season, but there's an even bigger obstacle: A prophecy predicts seven people will die before the treasure is found. The death toll so far is six. Tune in for a double-billed first episode, the normal duration show will air from March 6.

 

THE MANY WAYS OF BEING FOR ST CLEMENTS

 The Many Ways of Being: A Conversation on Sex and Gender with Pierre Brouard at St Clements: Monday 2nd March 2026 — 18h00

When we talk about sex and gender, are we actually talking about biology, identity, behaviour or expectations — or all of them at once? And why do these ideas feel so confusing, or threatening, to some people? “When people hear ‘sex’ and ‘gender’, they often think they mean the same thing,” says Pierre Brouard, who has worked in the field of sex and gender for more than 30 years, as an academic, on boards, in an advisory capacity, as a therapist, in a personal capacity and more.

St Clements’ Mondays at 6 programme invites audiences to bring their curiosity, questions and observations. We (the royal 🥰) will be in conversation with Pierre Brouard about sex, gender and the spaces in-between.

Sex refers to biological, anatomical and physiological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, genitalia) usually categorised as male, female or intersex at birth. Gender is a social, cultural and psychological construct relating to roles, behaviours and identity (how one feels and acts). While sex is often binary, gender is a spectrum.

“But talking honestly about sex and gender is not always so simple,” says Pierre Brouard.

“What we get wrong (about sex and gender) matters. Why? you might ask. Just one of the topics we'll address...

“Narrow ideas and intolerance around femininity and masculinity abound. Terminology can be confusing. Mistaken beliefs and assumptions can cause prejudice, misconceptions, fear, hurt, bias, judgment …”

Pierre Brouard is the Research associate (former acting director) of the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) at the University of Pretoria (where he worked for 25 years).

Extraordinary Lecturer, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. (He regularly presents short courses.)

Registered Clinical Psychologist.

On the board of the Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa.

On the executive of the Sexuality and Gender Division of the Psychological Society of South Africa.

Interests include sexualities, gender, human rights, stigma, governance, leadership, accountability, transformation and social justice. He is also a regular contributor to publications on these subjects.

 

The following four TED talks you might like to watch / listen to / think about / ahead of the upcoming soiree.

 

1)  1.   I’ve lived as a man and as a woman — here's what I've learned. (Today Paula Stone Williams is a pastoral counsellor and woman — but for the first 60 years of her life, Williams identified as male.)

2)    2. Why I must come out (When fashion model Geena Rocero first saw a photo of herself in a bikini, "I thought ... you have arrived!" As she reveals, that's because she was born with the gender assignment "boy." In this moving talk, Rocero tells the story of becoming who she always knew she was.)

3)    3. The biology of gender, from DNA to the brain (How exactly does gender work? It's not just about our chromosomes, says biologist Karissa Sanbonmatsu. In a visionary talk, she shares new discoveries from epigenetics... Learn how life experiences shape the way genes are expressed and what that means for our understanding of gender.)

4)    4. A short history of trans people's long fight for equality (Transgender activist and TED Resident Samy Nour Younes shares the remarkable, centuries-old history of the trans community, filled with courageous stories, inspiring triumphs and a fight for civil rights that's been raging for a long time.)

 

When the donation box is passed around, St Clements requests generosity and a minimum of R50 per person.

Weather permitting, the function will be outdoors.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff.

Single folk are welcome to book for one person and join a table.

Be there in time to open your tab, order at the counter and settle in before the scheduled 18h00 start. Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.

Table Bookings Essential: RSVP ST Clements +27 62 582 0980

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban

TOO LATE TO BE TOO EARLY

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will host the stand-up comedy show Too Late to be Too Early on February 28 at 19h30 and March 1 at 14h00.

Step into an unforgettable night of personal storytelling, sharp observations, and endless laughter hosted by Senzo SM in his debut stand-up comedy show, Too Late To Be Too Early.

The show is supported by hilarious comedians; Mmangaliso Mhlongo, Prince K, Angus Rock, Buxta and Ntokozo Mkhize.

After years of battling inner doubts about whether he’s “ready” for alive comedy show, Senzo SM finally discovered the truth: it’s too late to be too early.

Now he’s stepping onto the stage with stories that shaped him from childhood memories to the hilarious contrasts he has witnessed in South African society.

Expect a raw, honest, and deeply humorous journey filled with:

 - Hilarious takes on everyday life

- Personal stories from his upbringing

- Societal and cultural observations

- Moments that make you think before they make you laugh.

 

Come experience the perfect blend of storytelling and comedy. Experience laughter.

Tickets R150. Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets

The venue opens 90 minutes before show.

Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)

Limited secure parking available

For more information contact 0824998636.

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban.

POWER AND PLAY FOR 29TH TIME OF THE WRITER FESTIVAL

 

Power and Play takes centre-stage at the 29th Time of the Writer festival which runs from March 26 to 28, 2026.

 

The Centre for Creative Arts has announced its programme for the 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival, an annual meeting ground of South Africa’s leading and newly published authors to engage with the public in a vibrant cultural immersion programme where literature is celebrated, showcased and discussed.

Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts, says: “There couldn’t be a better meeting ground than in Durban – one of two cities on the African continent which enjoy the elevated status of a UNESCO City of Literature. The festival is presented both online and as an embodied live event at the KZNSA Gallery featuring a total of 80 writers in conversation about both their books and the subjects that they write about.”

Headlining this year’s festival opening is award-winning author and journalist Fred Khumalo in conversation with esteemed authors and thought-leaders, Njabulo Ndebele and Antjie Krog. In a separate event, Khumalo will also be in conversation with Mike Nicol in a celebration of their vast writing journeys from the days of Staffrider to logging some of the biggest news stories and publishing best-selling fiction producing decades of writing full of grit, talent and passion.

Festival curator, Shafinaaz Hassim, says: “The Centre for Creative Arts sets the space for authors and other thought-leaders to engage with how literature interrogates the festival theme, Ink-stitutions of Power, through memoir, political writing, fiction and social documentation which carries history and shapes the future of thought”.

Popular commentator, Ebrahim Fakir, will take an in-depth look at how state capture through political and government corruption has eaten away at progress in SA in a conversation with investigative journalists, Micah Reddy, Jeff Wicks and member of parliament turned author, Andile Mnqxitama.

Political analyst, Angelo Fick, will moderate a discussion with academics and writers, Imraan Buccus, Marzia Milazzo and Hlonipha Mokoena on the impact of colonization on race relationships and how it continues to influence the political arena.

The festival programme is equally balanced with delightful conversations about romance and a window into writing as a theatre of words. It will include book launches, creative writing workshops.

 

To link to the Centre for Creative Arts website, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS RETURNS TO THE BERG

 

Music in the Mountains returns to the Berg with four days of Hope, Heritage and Harmony

 

Following the extraordinary success of last year's Music in the Mountains festival, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is preparing to once again welcome audiences to its home campus in the majestic Drakensberg for MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS 2026, taking place from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27 2026, themed Hope, Heritage and Harmony.

Now firmly established as one of South Africa's most distinctive and uplifting music festivals, Music in the Mountains blends world-class choral performances with a vibrant festival atmosphere set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Berg. Over four immersive days, the campus will come alive with music, movement and community as audiences gather to celebrate the unifying power of song.

Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, says: "Music in the Mountains is where everything we stand for as a school comes together. It is about musical excellence, but it is also about faith, community and giving our boys the opportunity to inspire others through their gifts, right here on their home ground."

A festival rooted in place, people and purpose

Last year's festival saw the campus transformed into a hive of activity, with craft and food stalls drawing visitors throughout the day and families enjoying the warm, inclusive atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Music in the Mountains (MiMs). From the aromas drifting across the lawns to the buzz of audiences moving between concerts, the festival created a space where music lovers of all ages could gather, connect and celebrate. This year's festival promises to surpass the success of MiMs 2025!

"These concerts are all-embracing and deeply rewarding," says Jacques Linde, Head of Choral Activity. "They require discipline, focus and emotional honesty, but they also allow space for joy, movement and musical freedom. Performing in the mountains, surrounded by nature and a supportive audience, is something truly unique."

Bookings for MiMs concerts are open now on https://ww.dbchoir.com or by calling +27 36 468 1012

 

Music in the Mountains opens with a powerful gala evening celebrating South Africa's rich musical heritage. In Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony, the Drakensberg Boys Choir presents a programme that honours the traditions of boy choir singing while embracing the vibrant diversity of South African song. Audiences can expect a moving journey through sacred choral works by composers such as Scarlatti, Schumann, and Whitacre, beloved African repertoire by composers Mbuso Ndlovu and Mzwandile Mabuza, and contemporary pieces that speak to resilience, unity, and shared identity, such as Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time. This opening gala sets the tone for the festival — uplifting, dignified, and deeply rooted in hope.

A thrilling crossover concert celebrating the legendary music of Queen, featuring the internationally-renowned Warren Vernon-Driscoll and the Drakensberg Boys Choir. From soaring anthems to powerful ballads, this electrifying performance reimagines Queen's iconic hits with choral richness and pop energy. A festival highlight that blends classical precision with rock grandeur. Vernon-Driscoll is a former Drakie and an avid supporter of the school and the Drakensberg Boys Choir.

At the heart of MiMs is the belief that music has the power to unite. This philosophy is most clearly expressed in the Voices of Unity concert series, which brings together young singers from different schools, cultures and communities in a shared celebration of choral music. Last year's Voices of Unity concerts at the festival featured visiting school choirs from across the region, including an international contribution, reinforcing the festival's role as a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.

"The Voices of Unity concerts are always incredibly special. To see young singers from different schools standing side by side, united by music, is a powerful reminder of why choral singing matters. Music creates understanding and connection in a way few other things can," says Linde.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir: Requiem in the Mountains provides an evening of profound musical reflection. In the majestic setting of the mountains, the Drakensberg Boys Choir presents a deeply-moving programme of sacred choral music by composers Michael John Trotta and Karl Jenkins, exploring themes of remembrance, faith, and transcendence. Atmospheric and contemplative, this concert offers a powerful spiritual experience shaped by the beauty of modern sacred choral music.

 

Music in the Mountains 2026 programme highlights

Music in the Mountains 2026 opens on Friday, April 24, with a Gala Concert at 19h00 titled Drakensberg Boys Choir: Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony. This opening performance sets the tone for the festival, drawing together the musical threads of tradition, faith and contemporary expression.

On Saturday, April 25, audiences are invited to begin the day with Handful of Keys featuring Liza Joubert from 09h00 to 10h00, a concert known for its intimacy and musical storytelling. This is followed by Voices of Unity 1 from 11h00 to 12h30 and Voices of Unity 2 from 16h00 to 17h30, showcasing young voices united in harmony. The day concludes with a high-energy evening concert at 19h00 — QUEEN, featuring Warren Driscoll and the Drakensberg Boys Choir, promising a powerful fusion of rock classics and choral brilliance.

Sunday, April 26, begins once again with Handful of Keys from 09h00 to 10h00, followed by Voices of Unity 3 from 11h00 to 12h30. The Old Boy Variety Concert takes place from 16h00 to 17h30, before the evening culminates in the deeply-moving Drakensberg Boys Choir: Requiem in the Mountains at 19h00. This reflective and profound musical experience has become a signature moment of the festival.

The festival concludes on Freedom Day, Monday April 27, with a morning church service from 09h00 to 10h00 led by Angus Buchan, followed by the final concert from 11h00 to 12h30 — Drakensberg Boys Choir: Of Hope, Heritage and Harmony, The Finale, a triumphant, celebratory final concert by the Drakies choir. Bringing together the spirit of the weekend, this programme revisits the themes of unity, heritage, and harmony in a joyful closing concert. An uplifting finale that sends audiences home inspired and renewed.

Celebrating legacy and lifelong connection

Renowned for its superb vocal discipline and dynamic stage presence, the Drakensberg Boys Choir is celebrated both locally and internationally for a repertoire that seamlessly blends classical choral works with African rhythms, contemporary arrangements and Afro-Pop influences. This distinctive musical identity has earned the Choir a reputation as a truly South African cultural asset since 1967.

Beyond its artistic excellence, Music in the Mountains remains a vital expression of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School's mission and an important fundraising initiative supporting the school's bursary programme. Proceeds from the festival help ensure that talented young boys from diverse backgrounds can access a life-changing education grounded in musical and personal development.

"Music in the Mountains is not just a festival on our calendar," Bekker concludes. "It is an expression of who we are. It reminds us that music has the power to uplift hearts, strengthen communities and speak hope into our country. We are proud to welcome audiences back to the Berg for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration where you can truly see that Music is our Ministry."

 

HLONIPHANIART FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Right: HloniphaniArt. Pic supplied)

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents HloniphaniArt, an evocative singer-songwriter and music composer, in a live performance on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for the first Twosday show of the year.

Born Hloniphani Mthethwa and known by his stage name HloniphaniArt, the artist is a contemporary independent folk musician whose sound is deeply rooted in African storytelling. His music paints vivid pictures of South African countryside’s and the lives of its people, brought to life through enchanting vocals, expressive guitar work, and soul-stirring songwriting.

Although best known for his guitar-driven performances, Hloniphani’s first musical instrument was the drums, which he began playing at home within his musical family in Catoridge, eMkhambathini, kwaXimba, eNo.9. This early immersion in rhythm continues to shape his layered, organic sound.

HloniphaniArt’s career highlights include an international performance in New Orleans, USA, where he represented Nandi the Musical as a cultural ambassador, as well as a cultural exchange trip to India, performing in the theatre production Bayede Shaka. These experiences have enriched his artistry, blending African musical traditions with global influences.

Audiences can expect a powerful fusion of African folk and international country music, woven together with poetic songwriting inspired by African heritage. This uplifting concert promises an intimate and soulful experience — a celebration of identity, culture, and self-love, and the perfect pause from the rush of a Tuesday evening.

 

Event Details

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Doors Open: 17h00

Music Starts: 17h30

Available online via Webtickets or cash at the door R130 (General), R100 (Pensioners), R70 (Students)

This is a concert not to be missed — a heartfelt musical journey celebrating the spirit of South Africa through sound and story.

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2.

LAUGHTER IS ON THE MENU: MARK BANKS

 

(Mark Banks. Pic supplied)

 

Bank on Fun: South African comedy legend Mark Banks is back in Durbs – and this time he is going for broke in his new one-man show Laughter is on the Menu which is the first production to open a fabulous brand-new performance space, the Nutcracker Theatre at Macnut Farm in Assegay for a one weekend run from February 27 until March 1.

Banks is a South African comedy staple and has always been a favourite with KZN audiences. In his latest comedy serving, Banks looks at many current issues affecting our everyday lives. . . crime, corruption, woke society, political correctness, cost of living, cost of dying, international acceptance of almond milk, shed loading and renaming of towns.

These are just a fraction of a multitude of Banks's topics that he will effortlessly spin into his unique comedy hilarious Whirlpool. The show is presented in traditional 17th century Shongweni horse trial Lipizzaner configuration and owing to the strict Valley of a 1000 Hills cabaret municipal by-laws ice skating on stage is strictly forbidden.

The newly-created intimate 60-seater theatre is a blend of sparkling chandeliers, lush velvet curtains, fairy lights and a cozy vintage retro ambiance. The Nutcracker Theatre aims to recreate the nostalgia of the heyday of supper-theatre, with a fabulous meal complementing the show. Macnut Farm is known for its imaginative, top-quality cuisine served in a magnificent picture-perfect setting of rolling lawns, ancient trees and country charm. It also boasts a fully stocked bar.

The Nutcracker Theatre combines the hospitality and culinary talents of Macnut’s Paul and Hannah Paine, management experience of Gary McKenzie with technical support from Brandon Bunyan.

Macnut Farm is a proud member of 1000 Hills Tourism. To book, contact Hannah: 074 603 0000.

 

Performances

Friday, 27 Feb: Arrive 18h00 | Show 19h30

Saturday, 28 Feb: Arrive 17h00 | Show 18h30

Sunday, 1 March: Arrive 12h30 | Show 14h00

 

The show carries an age restriction of no-under 16s.

Price: R495 per person (Includes Supper & Show)

Refreshments: Full bar available on-site

 

Macnut Farm is located at 13 Lello Road, Assegay (down the road from Heidi’s Farm Stall)

Tickets are strictly limited to 60 pax per performance. Contact Hannah: 074 603 0000.

CONCERT OF PIANO/VIOLIN DUOS

 

(Left: Dr Andrew Warburton)

 

Friends of Music will present two of Durban’s finest chamber musicians - Andrew Warburton (Piano) and Evgeny Zhadanov (Violin) in a concert of Piano/Violin Duos by Brahms, Janáček and Beethoven

Dr Andrew Warburton is presently Lecturer in Piano and Music History, Head of Western Classical Performance Studies, and Resident Accompanist at the UKZN School of Music. He was born in Johannesburg and studied music from a very early age. He completed his B Mus degree in 1985. Since then, he has pursued a diverse musical career as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician throughout South Africa and abroad. He is regarded as one of the finest soloists, accompanists and chamber musicians in the country.  He graduated from UKZN with a Doctor of Philosophy in Performance on April 1, 2019.

 

(Right: Evgeny Zhadanov)

Evgeny Zhadanov was born into a musical family in Moscow in 1976 and began his studies at the age of 5. In a celebrated career he has performed with leading orchestras such as the Moscow Philharmonic, the International Youth Orchestra and the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra. From 2008 to 2018 he was appointed concertmaster of the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra and from 2022 until 2024 he was concertmaster of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra He is also a highly sought after chamber music performer.

In February 2024 Evgeny was appointed Associate Concertmaster and principal first violin of the KZN Philharmonic in Durban, South Africa.

 

PROGRAMME

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Sonata no 1 in G major for violin and piano, Op 78

 

Leos Janáček (1854-1928)

Sonata for violin and piano

 

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Sonata no 9 for violin and piano, "Kreutzer" Op 47

 

 

The concert will take place on March 1 at 15h00 at the Durban Jewish Centre, North Beach.

Tickets: R150 (available at the door)

For more information go to millark.millar@gmail.com or contact Keith 0715051021

 

FUTURES_PAST

When archives speak: Immersive exhibitions bring Southern African histories to life

What happens when archives are no longer silent, static, or locked behind glass, but can be walked through, listened to, and felt? From September to December, 2026, audiences across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi will encounter a series of groundbreaking immersive exhibitions, transforming archival collections into living, interactive experiences.

Futures_Past: Amplifying Memory with Immersive Technologies is a collaborative initiative organized by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) in partnership with Electric South and local cultural institutions, archives, and international collaborators. Supported by the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, and funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the project runs from July 2025 to March 2027.

Following an open call, the project brings together artist teams based in the countries of six selected archives. Over the next eight months, these teams will work closely with archives to co-create immersive digital works that explore and illuminate the stories contained within historical collections using virtual and augmented reality, spatial audio, and interactive installations. The resulting experiences will be presented in exhibitions across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi from September to December 2026.

Jean Spiri, Director of IFAS, says: “Across Southern Africa, archives hold collections of profound historical and cultural value, yet many struggle to reach new audiences. Futures_Past creates space for collaboration between custodians of memory and immersive artists, allowing these collections to be approached with care, technical skill, and contemporary relevance.”

 

Selected artist–archive collaborations:

 

!Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre — Yzerfontein, South Africa

Linocuts, exile, and San cosmology

!Khwa ttu holds over 600 linocuts by !Xun and Khwe artists affected by displacement linked to the South African Border War. The selected creative team will work with the collection and with community members to explore ways of bringing these linocuts into an immersive, multi-sensory spatial experience. Through processes of community co-creation, the work will foreground lived histories, memory, and San cosmologies, using light, sound, voice, and sculptural elements to activate the linocuts in three-dimensional space. Artist team: Indigene Corefio Harris (N!hunkxa); Faye Victoria Katiiti Khakasa Kabali-Kagwa; Inka Kendzia; Thando Mthembu; Xabiso Vili

 

GALA Queer Archive — Johannesburg, South Africa

Activism, care, and HIV/AIDS history

Focusing on the Township AIDS Project (TAP), founded in 1989, the project draws on archival material linked to figures such as Simon Nkoli. The creative team will create immersive, participatory experiences that transform the archive into a space of action, inviting audiences to engage in practices of care, memory, and solidarity rooted in queer activism and HIV/AIDS response. Artist team: Kieran Reid; Tiisetso Tsholofelo Dladla; Tim Flusk; Jordan Green; Kirsten Reid

 

Iziko Museums of South Africa — Cape Town, South Africa

Water as memory, science, and spirit

Working with material linked to Iziko’s upcoming Amanzi eAfrica exhibition, the creative team will develop an immersive project that explores water as a cultural, spiritual, and environmental force. Drawing on archives, oral histories, and ecological research, the work will invite audiences to engage with multiple perspectives on water, past and present.

Artist team: Sarah Frances Summers; Desiré Laurent de Laroche Souvestre; Kyle Donald Marais; Reilly Robynn Cloete; Laurine Platzky

 

Music Crossroads Malawi — Lilongwe, Malawi

Listening to endangered songs and oral traditions

The Music Crossroads Malawi Folksong Archive documents 217 traditional songs covering initiation, agriculture, spirituality, storytelling, and social life. Drawing on this rich heritage, the creative team will develop virtual and physical experiences that invite audiences to enter a living circle of storytelling.

Artist team: Laura Schuerwegen; Matthew-Lusayo Chawinga; Roosevelt Kasimba Mwandira; Andrew Jere Kanthiti; Thandiwe Phiri; Chikondi Nkhoma; Christopher Ngalu; Kas Mdoka; Andrew Chilonga

 

National Film, Video, and Sound Archives — Pretoria, South Africa

Reframing apartheid-era images

The Moolman Opnames collection comprises 14 reels of 35mm film shot between 1960 and 1966. The footage documents everyday life and state activity during apartheid. The creative team will transform these archives into experimental 360 installations inviting audiences to interrogate what the images reveal and what they leave out.

Artist team: Amy Louise Wilson; Francois Knoetze; Kaelo Molefe; Nomandla Vilakazi

 

Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre — Matsieng, Lesotho

Reimagining royal memory and national history

The Royal Archives preserve records central to the political history and cultural heritage of Lesotho, including official correspondence, royal photographs, and audio-visual material. Drawing on these collections, the creative team will develop a 360° experience that traces the royal succession of Lesotho. The team therefore invites audiences to explore the intersections of monarchy, history, and heritage.

Artist team: Mokhethi Gilbert Phohlo; Phillip Leteka; Telmo dos Reis; Moleboheng Khothatso

 

Each selected archive offers a window into stories of resilience, identity, and cultural memory, which the artists bring to life through immersive, participatory experiences.

Reflecting on the collaborative model, Ingrid Kopp, Director of Labs and Partnerships at Electric South explains: “These partnerships are not about overlaying technology onto archives, but about working with artists and institutions to find forms that respect the material and open new ways of participation and understanding for the public. Immersive tools are used here as a means of interpretation and engagement rather than spectacle.”

The immersive exhibitions will open across Southern Africa from August to December 2026, offering audiences the opportunity to encounter history, memory, and creativity in entirely new ways. 

 

International mobility and professional training

Two members from each artist team, along with an archive representative, will travel to France in April to develop international relationships and partnerships. This mobility supports professional exchange and longer-term cooperation between Southern African and French cultural and creative sectors.

Emerging producers will also participate in a six-month structured training programme, gaining hands-on experience in immersive storytelling, sound design, exhibition development, and archival interpretation. This holistic approach ensures the project not only revives archival knowledge but cultivates a new generation of creative professionals equipped to carry these stories forward.

Alongside the creative collaborations, Futures_Past includes the Immersive Arts Mapping Study, documenting the immersive arts landscape in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, and identifying opportunities for support, training, and collaboration. Practitioners are invited to participate via the online survey link.

Sofia Saa, Regional Head of New Media, Film and Television at IFAS, says: “Through this project, archives are no longer just repositories; they become spaces of experience, dialogue, and imagination. Audiences will not only see history, but step inside it, connect with it, and feel its resonance today. By situating artist teams in the countries of the archives, and including emerging producers in every stage, we are ensuring a truly local, collaborative, and forward-looking approach.”

 

KZN DANCE FESTIVAL

Storytelling through dance

KZN Dance Festival tells poignant stories of profound human emotion told through dance in a carefully-curated one-day FREE dance festival featuring collaborative work of nine KZN dance groups, which comes to the Stable Theatre on Saturday February 21 at 14h00.

This project has been put together by Mandisa Ndlovu supported by Lucky Cele in partnership with Ulozolo Youth Organisation. The project is supported by the South African Dance Board a national dance body which is one of the newly-formed clusters created by the minister of Sports Arts and Culture. Through generous funding from the National Arts Council (NAC), entry is FREE and all dance lovers are welcome. 

Nine groups will be participating: 60-plus performers in total will appear in the programme.

The groups are creating a dance story each. Predominantly the groups work with contemporary dance, although a myriad dance styles and traditions will be used in different ways including hip hop and traditional.  

KZN Dance Festival takes place at the Stable Theatre 115 Johannes Nkosi / Alice Streets on Saturday February 21 at 14h00.

Entry to the KZN Dance Festival is FREE and all are welcome.

There is guarded off-road parking

For more information contact 067 942 8310 / mandisandlovu1989@gmail.com

PRIVATE PRESLEY - THE BALLET: REVIEW

 

(Jorge Wade & Kiana Rose Prinsloo)

 

What an absolute delight it was to witness such committed dancers performing highly energetic and athletic choreography. (Review by Mary Ann Salvage)

There was a buzz of anticipation before opening night (February 13) of Mzansi Ballet’s Private Presley - The Ballet choreographed by Sean Bovim. Director Dirk Badenhorst was thrilled to have his company return to The Milkwood Theatre again and explained that the stage was the perfect size for his company of dancers to perform at.

What an absolute delight it was to witness such committed dancers performing highly energetic and athletic choreography. Each and every dancer needs to be recognized for their technical expertise and artistic abilities.

The principal dancers, Angela Revie (Priscilla) and guest dancer from Mexico, Jorge Wade (Elvis) were exceptional, as were all the other dancers in the company, Katelyn van Herk, Kiana Rose Prinsloo, Carmi Landsberg, Kelly Patterson, Tshenolo Tshoma, Zinnia Tongue, Mahlatse Sachane, Komani Hara, Omogolo Gaorekwe and Cuban dancer, Ariel Méjica. The vibrant energy of the dancers was incredible and with such quick changes, too! A local young talented 12 year-old student dancer, Hanna van der Berselaar-Smith did very well in her debut as Lisa Marie Presley.

An unexpected addition one would not normally find at a ballet show, were two fantastic singers, Frederick Fourie (Elvis) and Patience Mahema who with their golden voices added to the magic of the performance. Neither of them upstaged the dancers but contributed so beautifully to the production with their smooth renditions of the Elvis’ hit songs.

The effective lighting, together with the sound, was perfectly designed by professionals in their field, Megan and Luke Holder.

Costumes were designed by David Hutt. However, I felt that some of the female costumes could’ve been thought through, in light of the fact that the audience is seated so close to the stage in this theatre.

With only three shows remaining, Saturday the 14th at 15h00 & 19h00 and Sunday the 15th at 15h00 be sure to secure your tickets before they sell out!

Ticket prices range from R150-R200. Book at Webtickets –  www.webtickets.co.za

Expect to be swept away by the iconic music of Elvis Presley and how his life unfolded as portrayed in the 30 numbers that is Private Presley - The Ballet. - Mary Ann Salvage

The Milkwood Theatre is located at the Danville Park Girls High School, Virginia, Durban North

 

THE SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION LAUNCHES 2026 SOVEREIGN AFRICAN ART PRIZE

It is with great excitement that The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) announces the launch of The 2026 Sovereign African Art Prize, the fifth edition of its award for contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora. The competition, which aims to benefit artists by increasing their international exposure and raise funds for charity by selling the finalists’ artworks, offers US$32,000 in prize monies to the winners of its three awards.

This year, the Finalists Exhibition will be hosted by new Venue Partner La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek at their Ateljee Gallery. This beautiful venue will showcase artworks by 30 extraordinary artists from across the continent from November 6, 2026 – February 26, 2027.

Kobie Lochner, CEO of La Motte Wine Estate, said of the initiative: “There is power in collaboration, and this is why we are so excited about this new partnership between La Motte and The Sovereign Art Foundation. We believe that the opportunities created by The 2026 Sovereign African Art Prize will build on the Rupert family’s heritage of supporting the arts. We are proud to host the Finalists Exhibition in the Franschhoek Valley, and the La Motte Ateljee is ready to present a wonderful showcase of contemporary African artists.”

Over 50 art professionals have nominated artists to enter artworks into the competition’s online submission platform. A panel of expert judges will then select 30 finalists to be announced in October 2026. This year’s judges are:

 

Azu Nwagbogu, Independent curator

Janine Gaëlle Dieudji, Independent exhibitions maker and producer

Riason Naidoo, Curator, writer, researcher and artist

Richard Mudariki, Founder of artHARARE

Same Mdluli, Artist, art historian, curator and writer

 

At the Finalists Exhibition, one artist will be selected to receive the Grand Prize of US$25,000. The FAMM Women’s Prize of US$5,000, sponsored by Female Artists of the Mougins Museum (FAMM), will be presented to the highest scoring female artist (except the Grand Prize Winner). A Public Vote Prize of US$2,000 will go to the finalist whose work attracts the most votes from the public online or in-person at the exhibition.

The finalists’ artworks will be entered into a charity sale, with proceeds to be split equally between the artists and charitable programmes that provide expressive arts programmes for disadvantaged children.

Howard Bilton, Founder and Chairman of SAF, commented: “The Sovereign Art Foundation has been running art prizes in Asia, Europe and the Middle East since 2003. In this time, we have showcased some of the greatest artists working in those regions and have made some amazing discoveries, whilst raising millions of dollars to assist disadvantaged children by using the therapeutic benefits of art.

“Since our first initiative in Africa in 2012, we have sought to establish a significant art prize for Africa and its diaspora, where some of the most exciting and innovative art is currently being produced.

“We enjoyed five fruitful years collaborating with and exhibiting the work of the 30 finalists at Norval Foundation. Our thanks to them and Louis Norval, in particular, for all his help and assistance. We are now excited to announce a new partnership with La Motte Wine Estate and to show this year’s 30 finalists at their brand-new gallery towards the end of the year.”

As well as La Motte and FAMM, The Prize has attracted the support of a host of additional partners including Cultural Partner, The Africa Centre; Hotel Partner, Pearl Valley Hotel; Logistical Partner, Airwings; Picture Hanging Pros and Framed by Anton.

 

Information about the nomination and entry process, as well as the full nominator list, terms and conditions and full schedule of The Prize are available on the SAF website.