Mark your calendars to experience the best Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer in the form of art from February 16 to 25.
The Mandela Bay Arts Festival boasts a dynamic lineup of 33 acts spread across 7 different venues throughout the city. The festival will feature a captivating mix of dance, music, poetry, comedy, traditional performances, as well as contemporary and innovative acts.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME:
A R2 or So
Theatre BYS
A tragicomedy that tells the stories of those who beg on the streets, as they “laugh to keep from crying” and persevere beyond the harsh conditions of their predicament. 16, 18 & 21 February at the Atheneum Studio Theatre
Songo Presents – Iculo lakhe (eMini nasebusuku)
Music Songo
Songo goes beyond what her audiences are familiar with to express the range and versatility of her artistry, working with fellow local artists to create a globally representative sound.
17 February at Mendi Arts Centre
23 February at the Black Box Theatre
Actors Masterclass
Creative Workshop Zen Pictures
Calling all aspirant film and television fans, join this session with Zandile Msutwana for actors and directors on text, script analysis, character building, characterisation, voice training and delivery, performing for camera, shot angles and sizes.
20 February at Mendi Arts Centre.
African Inspired Threads: Elevate Your Everyday
Fashion, Nonzwakazi Mndai / Ndim Hle
An immersive fashion exhibition celebrating the fusion of tradition and modernity within African fashion and textiles. Venue and dates to be announced
Amabali Akhayo
Poetry, Dance Amabali Akhayo
A story-telling production with gentle lessons on growing up ‘different’ within set norms. Using acting, dance, poetry and story, this interactive production is perfect for children of foundation phase age and up.
21 & 22 February at the Atheneum Little Theatre
Amathambo Ayashukuma
Theatre, Mashugu Productions
A theatre piece exploring the aftermath of the SS Mendi sinking in 1917, focusing on the families left behind and their quest to reconnect with them by resuscitating their bones. This piece weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and resilience.
Dates to be announced, Mendi Arts Centre
Amavukane Bhaca Dancers
Dance,Amavukane Bhaca Dancers
Thirteen young dancers (some as young as six years old) bring their contagious spirit to traditional culture. Experience dance from the Bhaca culture and a group that has travelled South Africa.
23 & 25 February at Mendi Arts Centre
Case Closed
Theatre, Ele Coetzee
Set against a backdrop of a mounting unsolved cases, theatre piece Case Closed weaves through love and true crime as it follows the story of its three young characters. Please note this show is for adult audiences only.
16, 17 & 22 February at the Atheneum Studio Theatre
DOUBLE BLUFF: An Extreme Magic Show
Illusion, Brendon Peel Entertainment
The daring duo of magicians Brendon Peel and Li Lau are back with a new extreme show that is coming to Gqeberha for the very first time. Take the whole family, its guaranteed to leave your jaw on the floor.
17 & 18 February at the Atheneum Studio Theatre
21, 23 & 24 February at the The Savoy Theatre
Embizeni
Theatre, Nkala Creatives Productions
The tragedy of the deep damage that apartheid caused is laid bare in this story of loss, unfulfilled dreams and broken relationships. The play asks us to have more regard for the hard won freedom of our country and the legacy of those that fought for it.
17, 23 & 24 February at the Atheneum Studio Theatre
Happy Hour: Season 2
Comedy Stand Up Mbu
Mbulelo Msongelwa’s Stand-Up People Culture is back with an entertaining new edition. Happy Hour Season 2 sees local stand up talent (and a DJ) in a not-to-be- missed comedy collab across stages in Nelson Mandela Bay.
16, 17, 23 & 24 February at the Black Box Theatre
Heartbeat of Africa
Dance, Defying Gravity Productions
United by love and passion for dance, Heartbeat of Africa blends the diverse influences of South Africa. An energetic whirl of various dance styles from hip hop to contemporary, marimbas and steel band, this high energy show is a feel good outing for the whole family.
23 & 24 February at the The Savoy Theatre
Ibali Lam – Beauty for Ashes Music
Music, Thando Nombewu
A transformative musical production by the ethereal artist LoveSeed chronicles her journey from adversity to triumph, narrated through the medium of music, poetry, and dance.
17 February at the Black Box Theatre
24 February at Mendi Arts Centre
Keep smiling, Keep shining
Visual Art, Khaya’s Fabric Collage
Khaya Ngcangca presents an exhibition of sixteen fabric collage portraits to bring inspiration, hope and joy to those who visit the Festival. During the exhibition he will also be making work on site.
Dates and venue to be announced
Live Music Entertainment
Music, Mickey Pillay of Urban Touch
Six member band, Urban Touch, brings warm ’60s and ’70s nostalgia and the sounds of Reggae, R&B, contemporary hits and Soft Jazz to the stage. With plenty of well-known songs to sing along and dance to it’s a feel good concert for all.
17 & 23 February at the Atheneum Little Theatre
Mahesh Narotam and Friends
Music, Mahesh Narotam and Friends
Featuring original compositions by Mahesh Narotam, expect the perfect blend of fusion music with a diverse group of musicians much loved by audiences of the Bay. 18 & 23 February at the Atheneum Little Theatre
Mandela Bay Arts Business Workshop
Creative Workshop Future Star Entertainment
An empowering workshop that provides skills for professional brand management and success in the industry. Objectives include knowledge transfer, economic growth, employment creation, and sector development through partnerships and grant application support.
19 February at Mendi Arts Centre
Meeting of the Pigs
Theatre, Simphiwe Vikilahle
A ticking time bomb, this play unfolds in Alice, a small town in South Africa. The story unfolds in the surrounding farms where a loader removes the bushes and the dangerous animals are exposed.
17, 24 & 25 February at Mendi Arts Centre
Ndim Ingoma
Music, Sibulele Bokwana
A unique isiXhosa musical experience combining the traditions of African folk music with modern electronic beats. Soulful, energetic, and hypnotic, Sibu G invites the audience to connect and heal.
18 & 23 February at The One Room Music & Comedy Club
Nobenguni Rises
Poetry, Thobeka Kenene
With an African harp and keyboard as accompaniments, Thobeka Kenene’s creative work raises awareness about black consciousness and feminism through poetry. Kenene represents Motherwell at the MBAF and hopes to inspire communities to find positive ways to overcome their challenges
17 & 24 February at the Atheneum Little Theatre
Phelo Bala Uncovered
Music Phelo Bala
From the church choir of his childhood to the grandest of stages, Phelo Bala has enjoyed an extraordinary musical journey. This concert is a first-hand experience of Bala’s musical genius.
16 & 18 February at Mendi Arts Centre
Reggae Rise, Africa Rise
Music, Afrotronixx Entertainment
A celebration of unity.. As we dance to the rhythms of reggae and African music, we are reminded of the strength that comes from embracing our differences and celebrating our shared humanity.
17 & 22 February at Mendi Arts Centre
Singqokwana’s Dream Deferred
Theatre Xolani Ngesi
Based on the true story of Mr Singqokwana Ernest Malgas whose tearful testimony of torture endured in detention left the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the nation, deeply moved. This play asks us not to forget what our people struggled for. 22 & 24 February at the Atheneum Studio Theatre
Sista Kwalo and the Band
Poetry, Noluvuyo Mpumela
Fusing isiXhosa indigenous sound and jazz with poetry, Sista Kwalo’s words come to life in this collaborative piece.
21 & 24 February at Mendi Arts Centre
The Gathering of Tribes
Music, Edgar Muzah
This exhilarating musical concert performance, led by the versatile musician Edgar Muzah, merges the performances of talented actors and the evocative poetic expressions of renowned wordsmiths with a range of musical expressions.
18 February at Mendi Arts Centre
22 February at Black Box Theatre
The Lovers Circle
Music, Ndumiso Ntantiso
Reflecting on the Month of Love, the musical artist known as Skyscraper will be presenting a show about love and entertainment, an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate themselves and their loved ones.
16 & 22 February at The One Room Music & Comedy Club
The New Dawn Store
Theatre, Patric Sbusiso Bhakaqana
A gripping protest play set in South Africa during the historical forced removals. This play shines a spotlight on the persistent systemic challenges faced by marginalised communities and the importance of collective action in seeking social change.
21, 23 & 24 February at Atheneum Studio Theatre
The Story of Fire
Dance Selah Joy
The Story of Fire is an enchanting fire-theatre show that will have you and your family mesmerized. Selah weaves dance, flames, storytelling and music into an unforgettable performance that is accessible for all ages to enjoy.
16, 17, 18 & 21 February at the Atheneum Outdoor
Ukunyangwa Kwetyala
Visual Art, Vuyo Giba
In this retrospective music photography exhibition, Giba documents the extraordinary impact of the local jazz scene on artists, photographers and listeners. The work touches on the social injustice surrounding music in South Africa but also makes a call for us to recognise the value of jazz and its legacy.
Venue and dates to be announced
Umzila
Dance, Ikusasa Arts Development
Umzila explores the consequences of the reluctance to accept an inheritance and the turmoil this refusal causes a family. Only by moving to accept the item is the past reconciled.
21, 22 & 24 at The Savoy Theatre
Undead Generation
Music FiveSidedRecords
Gqeberha’s own “punk fusion” band, Undead Generation is a shape-shifting musical collective of punk rock, community, and fun. Having performed across the country and world, they’re home to give their all at the MBAF.
16 & 24 February at the Black Box Theatre
Uvuko Lwethongo
Poetry/Storytelling Dongadala Bemdiliza
Translated as ‘the awakening of a dream’ this multidisciplinary production is deeply rooted in Dongadala’s sensational writing about his dreams. Using imagery through words, it’s a spellbinding experience and reflection on the wonders of the dreamworld.
22 & 24 February at The Atheneum Little Theatre
Word Exhibition, 1998 – 2022
Poetry/Literature (Family show) Imbizo Arts
An archival trove of benignly sad, violent and sometimes humorous stories about black township life in the 90s depicted through a series of posters. This exhibition is the brain-child of writer and poet Mxolisi Nyezwa.
Exhibition opens at the Mendi Arts Centre on 16 February 2024
Writers Sessions 21, 22 & 23 February at Mendi Arts Center
*Dates and times are subject to change
For More Information: Visit the official festival website https://mbaf.co.za/ for a detailed schedule, venue information, and updates on featured artists and special events!
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