Podcasts about National Arts Festival

Amy Maciver is joined by Christie van Niekerk – actress, comedian, and co-creator of A Fool For You, part of Spark Hub’s exciting 2025 line-up. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saskia speaks to National Arts Festival's Artistic Director Rucera Seethal about the upcoming festival and what audiences can expect. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gugs Mhlungu speak to Siyasanga “Siya” Charles on what to make of news of receiving the Standard Bank Young Artist Award, Siya is a magna cum laude Juilliard-graduate trombonist, Charles’s career is already a global story, shaped by collaborations with luminaries like Hugh Masekela and Grammy-winning artists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pippa speaks actress Mpume Mthombeni who is getting ready to step out at the Baxter Flipside Theatre in the one-woman show called Isi-dlam-lilo/The Fire Eater. The play has won a string of awards and glowing reviews both locally and internationally, since its premier at the National Arts Festival in 2022. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Corder is joined by Producer Jake Maisel to unpack the wild, witty, and weed-infused world of Baked Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Macbeth. Now in its 5th season, Baked Shakespeare has taken South Africa - and international stages - by storm, blending classic Shakespeare with cannabis-fuelled chaos. They finish their run at The Masque Theatre on the 28, 29 and 30th March and then will head to The Courtyard Café in Stellenbosch on the 12th,13th & 25th and 26th of April. Tickets Available via Quicket!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graeme Raubenheimer who’s in for CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival, Rucera Seethal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neo Muyanga is a composer, sound artist and librettist. His work traverses new opera, jazz improv and Zulu and Sesotho idiomatic song. He sang in township choirs before assimilating into the madrigal tradition while living in Italy in the 1990's. He trained in Italy before returning to South Africa in the mid 90's to co-found the critically acclaimed acoustic guitar duo, BLK Sonshine with Masauko Chipembere. An alumnus of the Berliner Künstlerprogramm des DAAD (2016), he was also Composer-in-residence of the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival (2017), the National Arts Festival (2017) and the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (2018).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crystal Orderson speaks to the Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival, Rucera Seethal about the call for artists to apply for next year's fringe festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival, Rucera Seethal on their call for Artists to apply for the 2025 National Arts Festival Fringe. The 51st National Arts Festival is in production and as of 1 October, artists have a window to apply to be part of the multidisciplinary showcase through the 2025 Festival's. This year, the National Arts Festival has shifted the window for applications for the Fringe to a shorter time frame and earlier date to allow artists, and the Festival, to plan further in advance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 Comics Choice Newcomer Callum Hitchcock has had an unconventional career in the three years he's been doing comedy. In his first five gigs he opened for Khanyisa Bunu, put on a gig where he made more money than some headliners, and did a one-man show at the National Arts Festival. Turns out being from PE was a blessing in disguise. In this episode, we hear about his journey starting comedy in a small town in between lockdowns, we learn about the advantages and pressures of winning an award so early in his career, and we get into the joys and pains of being a Hotspurs fan. Enjoy. Keep up with Callum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callum_hitchcock/Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/almostperfect Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a call for submissions for the National Playwright Competition. Sara-Jayne Makwala King chats to Rucera Seethal who's the Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival which manages the competition. She explains that the winning playwright will have their play produced and premiered at the National Arts Festival next year. And receive prize money. Entries will close at midnight on 2 August.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival, Rucera Seethal on their call for the entry for the 2025 National Playwright Competition which closes on 2 August 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Monica NewTon | Chief executive officer of the National Arts Festival  CEO of the National Arts Festival joins Africa Melane on the Early Breakfast show to tell us all we need to know about the National Arts Festival taking place from the 20th June till the 30th of June in GrahamstownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Arts Festival is officially underway and so is Cue Radio. Top journalism students from Rhodes University are putting on a special show everyday to tell our listeners what shows to watch, arts exhibitions to visit and which stalls at the Village Green have the best snacks. Here is the first edition of Cue Radio, 2024. Enjoy. Cue Radio on RMR

John speaks to Monica Newton, CEO of the Festival about the festival celebratinf its 50th Anniversary and what can be expected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Ford speaks to Nobesuthu Rayi, Stakeholder Manager at NAF.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival, Rucera Seethal on what to expect from the 2024 National Arts Festival, its 50th anniversary. This year's programme is said to pay homage to historic artists while opening new doors for aspiring creatives. The Curated Programme is selected by the Festival's Artistic Committee. The Festival programme goes live on the website on Monday 29 April and ticket booking opens.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zain chats to Lunathi Ncamani, the conductor of the Hout Bay Ingoma Choir. They'll be performing at Christ Church in Constantia on 7 April at 3pm, and are also getting ready for the National Arts Festival in Makanda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of That Weekend Feeling , Daron Mann catches up with East London's renowned artist Kerry Hiles on her musical journey. Having performed at this year's National Arts festival in Makhanda, Hiles is part of an established line up set to hit the stage in next month's Edinburg Festival Fringe in Scotland. Her show, A Star is Born — the Rise and Fall of Judy Garland, premiered at the Umtiza Festival in 2019 and won two Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival in 2019 and 2020. In this segment, Hiles tells Daron about her evolvement post Covid-19 and the feedback she's received from her fans. Having embodied Winehouse's impressive voice in her tribute show Amy Winehouse: The Diva and Her Demons, Hiles tells Daron that the Covid-19 pandemic has had an effect on the music industry. “ I'm finding that people don't want to spend money as regularly on just entertainment, they actually want an experience something that is tangible for that hour,” she said. Known for transforming the stories of iconic women in her previous musical productions, she received an award from Standard Bank for her shows at the National Arts Festival. “ It is such an honour to be noticed with the cream of the crop. The works that are there in the festival blow my mind every year,” said Hiles. Catch all and more in this segment.

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Cue Radio brings you live, up-to-date coverage of the annual National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Cue Radio on RMR

Guest: The National Arts Festival takes place from 22nd June until 02 July. Monica Newton is the Festival CEO and she joins Mike to explain the promise of the festival slogan. How will ‘the festival will change you'? nationalartsfestival.co.zaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Amatola Water Board says it will implement measures to ensure a consistent supply of water during the National Arts Festival starting this week in Makhanda. The town's water outages are well documented and there is concern about how this will affect the arts festival. The water board says the economic significance means they have to ensure there are no water challenges during the National Arts Festival. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to Amatola Water Board Chairperson, Pam Yako

Guest: Former CEO of the National Arts Festival, Tony Lankester joins John to consider what SA Tourism could rather do R900 million to promote South Africa instead of spending the whole chunk on Tottenham Hotspurs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global events industry was valued at more than $1.1 billion in 2019, before the start of the covid-19 pandemic. Live music and concert events alone lost $30 billion in 2020 and most outdoor festivals were cancelled. This year, in 2022, with more people vaccinated around the world, many festivals have managed to return but are having to cope with rising prices and staff shortages, as well as people with less cash to spend. Monica Newton, the CEO of the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa, tells us about the challenges she's faced in holding this year's event. The director of the Great British Food Festival in the UK, Daniel Maycock, says they've managed to avoid putting up ticket prices so far and are trying to support smaller businesses. Lisa Louis travels to the Rock en Seine festival, to the west of the French capital Paris to speak to the director, Matthieu Ducos, about how he's had to adapt. She speaks to food and drinks vendors about how they're coping with rising prices and festival goers about how they're dealing with having less money in their pockets. Presenter: Emb Hashmi Reporter: Lisa Louis Producer: Jo Critcher (Image: Matthieu Ducos, director of the Rock en Seine festival, Parc de Saint-Cloud; Credit: BBC)

Sophie Joans wrote and performs in the play that won the Standard Bank Gold Ovation at this year's National Arts Festival. Ile by Sophie Joans is a coming-of-age story about mothers, daughters, and volcanic islands. Sophie joins Sara-Jayne on the line now to tell us all about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Naomi Grewan plays us extracts from Right on Cue's previous episodes. As the National Arts Festival draws to a close we get to hear snippets of the best interviews recorded along the way. Cue Radio on RMR

In this episode, Naomi Grewan plays us extracts from Right on Cue's previous episodes. As the National Arts Festival draws to a close we get to hear snippets of the best interviews recorded along the way.

A series of interviews conducted in isiXhosa about the National Arts Festival

Gugu Mhlungu speaks to Journalist & Producer of The Marikana, Ten Years On, Niren Tolsi on what expect from his “The Marikana, Ten Years On” an exhibition which is part of this year's National Arts Festival in Makhanda and seeks to address questions of accountability and justice around the Marikana massacre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2022 National Arts Festival is currently underway and were gifted with the announcement last week that remaining restrictions on mask wearing and gatherings had been lifted.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Monica Newton  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Arts Festival for many is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent that comes out of South Africa. In this episode we hear from two beloved South African musicians as well as the owners of the Long Table and the Black Power Station. In all four stories there is one commonality: everyone is committed to ensuring that Fest is a memorable experience. Cue Radio on RMR

The National Arts Festival for many is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent that comes out of South Africa. In this episode we hear from two beloved South African musicians as well as the owners of the Long Table and the Black Power Station. In all four stories there is one commonality: everyone is committed to ensuring that Fest is a memorable experience.

In our second episode we take a closer look at the impact community theatre and the National Arts Festival have on Makhanda. We also get to hear first-hand from one of our Cue writers about what her experience watching The Story of Eva Cassidy for the first time was like.

In our second episode we take a closer look at the impact community theatre and the National Arts Festival have on Makhanda. We also get to hear first-hand from one of our Cue writers about what her experience watching The Story of Eva Cassidy for the first time was like. Cue Radio on RMR

Right on Cue is a podcast brought to you by Cue Radio. In our first episode, hosted by Naomi Grewan, we hear about the preparation and anticipation for the National Arts Festival from Monica Newton, HiTech Security and Makhanda residents.

Right on Cue is a podcast brought to you by Cue Radio. In our first episode, hosted by Naomi Grewan, we hear about the preparation and anticipation for the National Arts Festival from Monica Newton, HiTech Security and Makhanda residents. Cue Radio on RMR

The National Arts Festival gets underway in Makhanda from next Thursday until 3 July. It's a massive celebration because the artistic community will reunite after two years of devastation in the arts sector due to shut theatres, cancelled shows, and frozen livelihoods.  Guest: Artistic Director Rucera Seethal  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gugu Mhlungu speak to Poet & Theatre maker, Koleka Putuma on what to expect from her play titled ‘Hullo Bu-Bye Koko Come In' (inspired by a line from a Brenda Fassie song) at The National Arts Festival in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) from 23 June-3.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Festival CEO Monica Newton   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Debut Online Podcast Part 2 takes place against the backdrop of Debut Online, an event that will present 180 Debut Programme participants taking their products to market and debuting their websites to existing and new market segments online. Following on from our first podcast, we continue the discourse of what it means to work with participants from rural and peri-urban in the Debut Programme, specifically how this engagement has highlighted the digital inequalities that exist in the sector. BASA Head of Programmes Tumy Motsoatsoe is once again joined by Jane Mpholo (renowned Free State artist, Co-director at Vukallective and former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador); Rucera Seethal (Creative Director for the National Arts Festival), and Msimeki Nkatingi (newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.)

The Debut Online Podcast Part 2 takes place against the backdrop of Debut Online, an event that will present 180 Debut Programme participants taking their products to market and debuting their websites to existing and new market segments online. Following on from our first podcast, we continue the discourse of what it means to work with participants from rural and peri-urban in the Debut Programme, specifically how this engagement has highlighted the digital inequalities that exist in the sector. BASA Head of Programmes Tumy Motsoatsoe is once again joined by Jane Mpholo (renowned Free State artist, Co-director at Vukallective and former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador); Rucera Seethal (Creative Director for the National Arts Festival), and Msimeki Nkatingi (newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.)

Due to the pandemic, the world is moving online at an accelerated pace but in its haste there are some communities in the creative sector that are battling to access the space and keep up the pace. Boitumelo “Tumy” Mostsoatsoe discusses dismantling digital inequalities with Jane Mpholo, Free State Renowned Artist, Co-director at Vukallective & Former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador; Rucera Seethal the Creative Director for the National Arts Festival; Msimeki Nkatingi, newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.; and Mimi Mashinini, law graduate and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Digify Africa.

Due to the pandemic, the world is moving online at an accelerated pace but in its haste there are some communities in the creative sector that are battling to access the space and keep up the pace. Boitumelo “Tumy” Mostsoatsoe discusses dismantling digital inequalities with Jane Mpholo, Free State Renowned Artist, Co-director at Vukallective & Former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador; Rucera Seethal the Creative Director for the National Arts Festival; Msimeki Nkatingi, newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.; and Mimi Mashinini, law graduate and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Digify Africa.

Monica Newton- National Arts Festival CEO. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show must go on despite Covid and it is going on for the National Arts Festival this month, it's going on, ONLINE and we'll be joined by the artistic director Rucera Seethal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Katie Kheriji-Watts speaks with Ogutu Muraya, a Nairobi-based writer and a theatre maker whose artistic work focuses on orature and the politics of memory. They talk about internal and external mobility, the challenges of maintaining mental wellness during the creative process, epistemicide as an (often) unacknowledged legacy of colonial history, and why he decided to stop participating in the European Union's “undeniably discriminatory visa system.” This episode was commissioned by the National Arts Festival in South Africa and produced with support from the French Institute of South Africamentioned in this episode : the National Arts Festival in South Africa the Kenyan literary organisation Kwani? Ogutu's writings about his experiences in Europe : "How do you observe a stone that is about to strike you ?" "I am multitudes"Ogutu's performance “Fractured Memory” Points of Entry can be found online at  pointsofentry.cominstagram.com/pointsofentryspecial thanks: Rucera SeethalIf you enjoyed this episode, would you please consider subscribing, rating, or leaving a review ? It takes less than one minute and it really makes a difference for independent productions like this one. Thanks ! 

National Arts Festival CEO, Monica Newton on what to expect from the 2021 National Arts Festival See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with a fantastic Hip Hop dancer who I now call a friend. This is the second conversation we had. We share ideas on philosophy, the art of seduction, the 48 laws of power and dealing with the grief that comes from the loss of a father. BioMy name is Kimberly ‘Kim Mkhush' Mkhushulwa and I am a 27 year old dancer and performer. I matriculated at St Mary's and graduated at Rhodes University in 2017. I have been a performer since I was even in Primary School. I grew up in an environment with children from diverse schools and backgrounds, and we used to dance and perform for fun. When I got to High School I made and grew up with friends from Artistic schools such as The National School it the Arts (NSA), on top of having studied Drama at my own school. Luckily for me, even though I went to a private school, I also took the bus. This enabled me to make friends that danced hip hop at their various schools. Through this, I was introduced to Dance Crews and the Hip Hop Culture whilst being introduced to Physical Theatre in high school. I learnt a lot of the technical aspects of dance and physical expression (with practicals) whilst having learnt the skills involved in Hip Hop Dance, such as pop & lock which I enjoyed most. I then ended up auditioning for a dance crew in grade 9 because I had friends on the bus that would always talk about being in a dance crew and all the events they had been a part of. This intrigued me so I decided to try it out. Once I had made it, I had to learn how to dance like the other male dancers in the crew ‘Eclipse' because our form of dance required everyone to dress and dance identically at the various dance competitions and events we performed at. I was the only female on the crew at that time. This is how I learnt how to pop properly and even though it took hours and hours of practice, I eventually got it thanks to the support of my other crew members. While this was happening, I was part of the newly formed St Mary's Dance Crew which my Drama teacher had started. She introduced us to Physical Theatre and that was when I learnt not only how to Pop & Lock, but how to be expressive at the same time. These two worlds earned me my colors in Dance and further motivated me to take Drama as one of my majors in university. I knew that Rhodes Drama Department had a strong Physical Theatre culture and was drawn to it. I also played roles in various Drama Acting and choreography pieces, including The National Arts Festival, which was quite an accomplishment since it was my 1st Year of university. I then showcased my talent when I became Entertainment Rep for my Residence and that is when my choreography career took off. I started being asked to choreograph and perform at various events at the University for different student life and student society events to name a few. Once I had graduated, I started working for a childhood friend who had started his own Talent Agency. I choreographed and performed for some of his projects, including the Joburg Carnival, and became an Artistic Manager the agency. I then started working in corporate but have been dancing on the side. The NJ PodcastThe NJ Podcast is a podcast hosted by Njabulo James with the aim of sharing stories, tips and insights about achieving success while having fun. From topics ranging from personal development, to business, entertainment and sports the podcast will have conversations with experts in their fields. The Podcast will also share insights from Njabulo James' published and upcoming books. Remember, “success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal.” Main website: www.njabulojames.com Podcast Website: https://the-nj-podcast.captivate.fm Subscription Information: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/NJPodcastapple Spotify: https://bit.ly/NJPodcastspotify Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/NJPodcastgooglepodcasts Overcast:...

Director Paul du Toit will be Danie and Lucia's guest on #WakeupShakeup to chat about his latest play, The Unlikely Secret Agent, based on Ronnie Kasril's Alan Paton award-winning book of the same name. The world premiere is happening right here in Somerset West on June 9 at The Drama Factory. The play tells a true story of bravery and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and stars Erika Marais, winner of an Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival, in the role of Eleanor, Kasril's wife.

In this episode I sit down with a fantastic Hip Hop dancer who I now call a friend. In this mind expanding conversation, we talk about the mindset behind being an intense performer, philosophy and relating to others. This was a good time, no alcohol required. Bio My name is Kimberly ‘Kim Mkhush' Mkhushulwa and I am a 27 year old dancer and performer. I matriculated at St Mary's and graduated at Rhodes University in 2017. I have been a performer since I was even in Primary School. I grew up in an environment with children from diverse schools and backgrounds, and we used to dance and perform for fun. When I got to High School I made and grew up with friends from Artistic schools such as The National School it the Arts (NSA), on top of having studied Drama at my own school. Luckily for me, even though I went to a private school, I also took the bus. This enabled me to make friends that danced hip hop at their various schools. Through this, I was introduced to Dance Crews and the Hip Hop Culture whilst being introduced to Physical Theatre in high school. I learnt a lot of the technical aspects of dance and physical expression (with practicals) whilst having learnt the skills involved in Hip Hop Dance, such as pop & lock which I enjoyed most. I then ended up auditioning for a dance crew in grade 9 because I had friends on the bus that would always talk about being in a dance crew and all the events they had been a part of. This intrigued me so I decided to try it out. Once I had made it, I had to learn how to dance like the other male dancers in the crew ‘Eclipse' because our form of dance required everyone to dress and dance identically at the various dance competitions and events we performed at. I was the only female on the crew at that time. This is how I learnt how to pop properly and even though it took hours and hours of practice, I eventually got it thanks to the support of my other crew members. While this was happening, I was part of the newly formed St Mary's Dance Crew which my Drama teacher had started. She introduced us to Physical Theatre and that was when I learnt not only how to Pop & Lock, but how to be expressive at the same time. These two worlds earned me my colors in Dance and further motivated me to take Drama as one of my majors in university. I knew that Rhodes Drama Department had a strong Physical Theatre culture and was drawn to it. I also played roles in various Drama Acting and choreography pieces, including The National Arts Festival, which was quite an accomplishment since it was my 1st Year of university. I then showcased my talent when I became Entertainment Rep for my Residence and that is when my choreography career took off. I started being asked to choreograph and perform at various events at the University for different student life and student society events to name a few. Once I had graduated, I started working for a childhood friend who had started his own Talent Agency. I choreographed and performed for some of his projects, including the Joburg Carnival, and became an Artistic Manager the agency. I then started working in corporate but have been dancing on the side. The NJ Podcast The NJ Podcast is a podcast hosted by Njabulo James with the aim of sharing stories, tips and insights about achieving success while having fun. From topics ranging from personal development, to business, entertainment and sports the podcast will have conversations with experts in their fields. The Podcast will also share insights from Njabulo James' published and upcoming books. Remember, “success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal.” Main website: www.njabulojames.com Podcast Website: https://the-nj-podcast.captivate.fm Subscription Information: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/NJPodcastapple Spotify: https://bit.ly/NJPodcastspotify Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/NJPodcastgooglepodcasts Overcast:...

Gregory is the author of the 2020 International Dance Day message – which so poignantly addresses the fragility of the world and humankind.Gregory’s dance journey provides a powerful insight to the dance of dance as a political voice and his voice has carried across the world. His insightful, unflinching, International Dance Day message speaks to his empathy and insight as an activist and artist.Gregory became interested in dance in the late 1980s as a means to escape the political tensions growing in his place of birth. He started his formal dance training in 1990 at Moving Into Dance wherein 2002 he became the Associate Artistic Director. Maqoma has established himself as an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher and director. He founded Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT) in 1999 when he was undertaking a scholarship at the Performing Arts Research and Training School (PARTS) in Belgium under the direction of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker.Maqoma is respected for his collaborations with artists of his generation like Akram Khan, Vincent Mantsoe, Faustin Linyekula, Dada Masilo, Shanell Winlock, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Nhlanhla Mahlangu and Theatre Director James Ngcobo.Several works in his repertoire have won him accolades and international acclaim. This includes FNB Vita Choreographer of the Year in 1999, 2001 and 2002 for Rhythm 1.2.3, Rhythm Blues and Southern Comfort respectively. He received the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance in 2002. Maqoma was a finalist in the Daimler Chrysler Choreography Award in 2002 and in the Rolex Mentorship Programme in 2003. He is the recipient of the 2012 Tunkie Award for Leadership in Dance. In 2014 he received a “Bessie”, New York City’s premier dance award for Exit/Exist for original music composition. He served as a nominator in the 2016–2017 Rolex Arts Initiative as well as curating the 2017 Main Dance Program for The National Arts Festival. His current works ‘Via Kanana’ and ‘Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero’ were touring in Africa and Europe when Covid colosed borders and dancers were forced to return to South Africa.In 2017 Maqoma was honoured by the French Government with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Arts & Literature) Award. In 2018 was honoured by the South African Department of Arts & Culture with the inaugural Usiba Award for dedication to dance teaching.In 2018 Maqoma collaborated with William Kentridge as a choreographer and performing in Kentridge’s opera ‘The Head And The Load’ toured to the UK, Germany, Austria, Holland and New York.In 2019 Maqoma Collaborated with Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah in the production “Tree” produced by Manchester International Festival and the Young Vic. He is also part of the selection committee for Dance Biennale Afrique Festival which was to take place in Marrakech in 2020.

In today's headlines- Schools in Castries South East adapt to the new normal as the first term commences And Artreach, the National Arts Festival has begun in virtual format.

Join us as we discuss the topics that everyone is talking about (or should be talking about). We speak with guest, award-winning filmmaker Dylan Valley, whose latest VR 360 project "Azibuye - The Occupation" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and more recently at vNAF, the virtual National Arts Festival in South Africa.

Having gone virtual for the first time in its 46 year lifespan, the (virtual) National Arts Festival presents its eight day of 11, boasting over 270 shows in newly digitised offering. Viewers are able to access the festival by buying a R600 festival pass for the entire duration of the festival, or buying tickets for select events.  Running completely virtual for the first time in the festival's 46 year history, the festival will be presenting work that speaks to these unique times, and will feature the results of many new collaborations, experimental forms and new ways to engage with the arts and audiences.   Guest: Monica Newton, CEO at National Arts Festival  Topic: Virtual National Arts Festival Host: Africa Melane, Early Breakfast

Das National Arts Festival Südafrika fand wie so viele Sommerfestivals in diesem Jahr nur online, vom 25. Juni bis 5. Juli 2020, statt. Dieser besondere Umstand hat aber ein Projekt hervorgebracht, das schon bald möglicherweise für eine Revolution auf den Opernbühnen der Welt sorgen könnte. Der südafrikanische Regisseur Kobie van Rensburg zeigt, wie man Musiktheater zukünftig in der 3D-Welt eines Computerspiels inszenieren könnte. Julia Kaiser hat die virtuelle Opernbühne besucht.

Guest: Jono Tait | Member of Hatchetman

Guest: Monica Newton | CEO at National Arts Festival

This episode covers Monday 30 March to Sunday 5 April 2020. To contain the spread of COVD-19 (coronavirus disease) the South African government has declared a nationwide three-week lockdown. This means that all shops and businesses are closed (except those providing essential services) and that you cannot leave your home (except under strictly controlled circumstances). But there is hope! Not only has the National Arts Festival announced plans to go completely virtual, but many restaurants (and companies like Dial-a-Picnic) are now offering home delivery, much like many estates (and brands like Frost Popsicles) have special deals on wine. And while our podcast will be taking a break until we can promote events again, Cape Town’s beauty isn’t going away anytime soon. Take care and stay safe! (Detailed show notes are available exclusively at www.capetowntravel.guide.)

Education for what? What's the National Arts Festival like? How do you make theatre and more...

KZN was left reeling after the news that a fire had gutted the Durban home of popular and well-known South African comedians Lisa Bobbert McIlroy and Aaron McIlroy. Lisa tells Jane - in this candid and very personal interview on Weekend Breakfast with Jane Linley-Thomas - that they've been overwhelmed by the love and support of neighbours, friends and the broader Durban community. The couple were away at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown at the time and were alerted at 1.30am on the morning of the fire earlier this month after their security company sent a panic button alert. Listen to the full interview here. Jane's page on ECR

East Coast Radio — KZN was left reeling after the news that a fire had gutted the Durban home of popular and well-known South African comedians Lisa Bobbert McIlroy and Aaron McIlroy. Lisa tells Jane - in this candid and very personal interview on Weekend Breakfast with Jane Linley-Thomas - that they've been overwhelmed by the love and support of neighbours, friends and the broader Durban community. The couple were away at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown at the time and were alerted at 1.30am on the morning of the fire earlier this month after their security company sent a panic button alert. Listen to the full interview here.

Audiodacious — Every year, a small town with scarcely over 80 000 residents puts on a spectacle that few others on this continent, perhaps even the world, have managed to replicate. In true David-meets-Goliath style, the National Arts Festival attracts more than 200 000 visitors, to more than 2 000 performances on a programme of more than 600 events. 2019 marks the 45th anniversary of the festival in the small city of Makhanda (formerly known as Grahamstown). In this episode, the African Storyteller team takes you on a road trip to and through the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. “From the Fringes to Centre Stage” was produced while on location at the 2019 National Arts Festival. Special thanks to: The National Arts Festival committee, NAF media & PR team Additional music and scenes taken from performances: Umthombo by Amandla Danca Teatro, KZN Youth Orchestra & Andrew Young, All Who Pass, Nduduzo Makhathini & Kitty Phetla, Makhanda Kwantu Choir, The Thunderbirds. Series commissioned by: MultiChoice Production team Producers: Mzamo Moloi, Nevelia Moloi Narrator: Mzamo Moloi Script: Nevelia Moloi Editor: Bongani Khoza Voice audio engineer: Andrew Sutherland Music: Eternal Life by Ziv Moran - Artlist.io Deep Blue by Dusty Marshall - Artlist.io Just Jump by Ian Post - Artlist.io Twitter · Multichoice Talent Factory

Audiodacious — The National Arts Festival is currently underway in Makhanda (previously known as Grahamstown). In this minisode of African Storyteller we speak to Amy Jephta, award-winning playwright behind various plays and shows such as Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story, and now more recently the international series, Trackers. Amy tells us about the inspiration behind All Who Pass, her featured show at this year's Arts Fest, directed by Quanita Adams. Subscribe to listen to more episodes and minisodes. Amy Jeptha on Twitter

...but first they're debuting it at National Arts Festival

Rhodes Music Radio — The city of saints will host hundreds of artists working in a wide variety of mediums show their work in venues around town. This episode talks about the upcoming National Arts Festival, 11 stunning spectacles!!! Joined by three local artists who will part-take in this year’s festival, Jethro Thomas who is doing a contemporary piece and Siphosethu & Masixole who will showcase a film called Abenkolo. This is the Soul of Makhanda- Where Life Imitates Art”.

Tell Us More — Eric Jansen is a young South African comedian who has featured on Trevor Noah's NationWild, MTV's You Got Got and numerous other tv shows. We sat down and chatted about transitioning from high school to stand up comedy, race relations in South Africa, surviving the National Arts Festival and coming from a relatively adventurous family.

Rhodes University says the institution runs the risk of shutting its doors if the water challenges in Makhanda - formerly known as Grahamstown - are not effectively addressed. The university town, also known for its annual National Arts Festival, has seen most areas going without water for as long as six days. Scorching temperatures, a lack of rain, poor planning and maintenance of the city's infrastructure, have been identified as the key contributing factors

Festivals draw thousands of South Africans every year with the promise of a great experience, whether focused around oysters or art. Stu Berry, festival director at Splashy Fen, takes us into the business of the country's longest running music festival. Tony Lankester, the CEO of the National Arts Festival, explains the importance of festivals for a community. In our Buffalo index we compare just what some of these festivals would cost you. wits.journalism.co.za

Wits Radio Academy — Festivals draw thousands of South Africans every year with the promise of a great experience, whether focused around oysters or art. Stu Berry, festival director at Splashy Fen, takes us into the business of the country's longest running music festival. Tony Lankester, the CEO of the National Arts Festival, explains the importance of festivals for a community. In our Buffalo index we compare just what some of these festivals would cost you.

Another one of the vintage reissue's. I spoke with the fresh crew from Durban's Comedy Invasion at the 2011 National Arts Festival. In the years that have gone by, much has changed in the Durban comedy input in the land. The guys have all gone onto bigger and better things. Awesome to look back at a chapter in their career and how much change was going to take place. I had Robby Collins, Jem Atkins, Dusty Rich, Glen Bo and Simmi Areff chatting to me. Enjoy.

Thousands of artists and visitors are flocking to the 44th National Arts Festival which has officially opened its doors in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Festival goers will certainly be spoilt for choice as organisers have arranged a line-up of 2400 performances covering artistic performances including theatre, poetry readings, comedy to jazz and classical music. The festival is also an economic booster as it contributes R94 million to the economy of the City of Saints and much more to the economy of the province. The festival's CEO, Tony Lankester spoke to Sakina Kamwendo.

CliffCentral.com — Tumi takes over the National Arts Festival and the university's radio station to talk all things theatre...

CliffCentral.com — Nina Hastie is one of the few South African comedians who have represented South Africa abroad. She has headlined comedy festivals such as The Tshwane Comedy Festival, Soweto Comedy Festival, The Wits Comedy Festival and performed at The Nandos Comedy Festival. She recently performed her one-woman SHOW, ‘Hey Nina!’ (Meaning: “hey you guys” in Zulu) at the National Arts Festival 2014, receiving excellent reviews. Fast becoming SA’s most popular female comedian, Nina is a regular on SA TV and radio. Having been a voice artist for over 15 years, Nina is a stalwart of this entertainment industry having voiced for over 50 brands, as well as animated feature films, and animated series. Nina, has big ambitions in her life, this also extends to her travel bucket list, let's find out what destinations are at the top of that list.

Kobus Moolman was born in 1964 in Pietermaritzburg. He is a senior lecturer in creative writing in the Department of English at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. He holds a PhD in English Studies from UKZN. In 2013 he received the 2013 Sol Plaatje European Union poetry award. In the same year, he was the Mellon Writer in Residence at Rhodes University for three months, and he also published his most recent poetry anthology, Left Over (Dye Hard Press). The collection has been widely acknowledged as his strongest to date. In 2012 he was commissioned by the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State to adapt  Zakes Mda’s the novel, The Madonna of Excelsior, for the stage. The production has travelled to several theatres in the country, including the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and the State Theatre in Pretoria. In 2010 he published Light and After (Deep South Press). The collection was launched at the 14th Poetry Africa festival in Durban. In the same year he received the South African Literary Award for Poetry for his collection, Separating the Seas. Founded by the national Ministry of Arts & Culture, the South African Literary Awards honour South African literary practitioners, while encouraging the advancement of literary heritage and practice. In 2010 he was a special guest, for two months, of the Creative Writing Research Group of the University of Calgary in Canada. During this period he gave readings of his work and lectured, including at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He was also an invited guest at the 2010 Calgary International Spoken Word Festival, during which time he performed at the Banff Centre for the Arts and in Canmore. In the same year he edited and published, Tilling the Hard Soil: poetry, prose and art by   South African Writers with Disabilities (University of KwaZulu-Natal Press). He was also the invited dramaturge on a two-week residency for South African and Dutch scriptwriters organized by the Twist Theatre Development Project during the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. He was invited back as dramaturge in 2011 and 2013. In 2009 one of poems was nominated for a US Pushcart Prize. At the beginning of 2008, he participated in a three-week collaborative residency at the Caversham Centre for Writers and Artists in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. During this residency he produced a limited edition, hand-bound collection of poems entitled Anatomy. This cycle of poems was later published in the Journal of Disability Studies (OhioStateUniversity). It also won the Dramatic and Literary Rights (DALRO) Prize for the best poem to appear in New Coin magazine in 2008. A collection of his radio plays, Blind Voices, was published by Botsotso Publishers in 2007. The collection is sponsored by the British Council and features a CD of the BBC production of his earlier award-winning play, Soldier Boy. In 2008,  he was on the panel of adjudicators for the Ingrid Jonker award, and in 2009 he was a judge for the Thomas Pringle Award for Poetry.He was the founding editor of the annual KwaZulu-Natal poetry journal, Fidelities, which ran from 1995 until 2007.  As co-ordinator of the Fidelities Poetry Project he conducted creative writing workshops and readings for a variety of interest groups, from offenders in prison to high school youth.  From 2000 to 2009 he edited the poetry titles for the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, working on collections by Karen Press, Mxolisi Nyezwa, Kelwyn Sole and Makhosazana Xaba, amongst others. In 2007 he was also named joint winner of the 2007 NLDTF/PANSA Festival of Contemporary Theatre Readings of New Writing for his new play, Stone Angel. This is the second time he has won this major South African award for theatre writing. In the same year he was the chairperson of the selection committee for the Olive Schreiner Poetry Prize sponsored by the English Academy of Southern Africa. In 2004 his play, Full Circle,

Rhodessa Jones joins us to talk about her latest work, The Resurrection of SHE opening at Brava Theatre where she is the current Artist in Residence March 28-April 7, 2013. Ms. Jones is Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed San Francisco performance company Cultural Odyssey. An actress, teacher, singer, and writer, Jones is also the founder and director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. On January 29, 2013 San Francisco Mayor Lee presented the 2013 Mayor's Art Award to Rhodessa Jones for her “lifetime of artistic achievement and enduring commitment to the role of the arts in civic life”. Rhodessa was selected as an "ARTS ENVOY" by the U.S. Department of State, Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau in June/July 2012. She received grant support to journey to South Africa to continue her work in collaboration with Urban Voices Festival inside the Naturena Women's Prison in Johannesburg, South Africa and then journey on to participate in the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. She has received many awards for her work including a United States Artist Fellowship to support her work in 2007, an Honorary Doctorate from California College of the Arts, a San Francisco Bay Guardian GOLDIE Lifetime Achievement Award, an Otto Rene Castillo Award for Political Theater, and a San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Award.  Visit www.brava.org Music: Meklit Hadero's Walls, Ruthie Foster's Truth; Rene Marie's Just My Imagination.