Females front and centre for Vavasati Festival

Published Aug 5, 2015

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Wathinta umfazi, wathinta imbokodo is an adage associated with the struggles and victories of South African women. This is what will be showcased at the Vavasati International Women’s Festival, running from Sunday until August 29 at the South African State Theatre.

The festival starts with a seminar on Sunday at the Rendezvous, State Theatre, and deals with a cross-generational transfer of hope as women are encouraged to embrace and use their feminine influence and to discover the power of their passions. This is a sisterhood where women are encouraged to tell a story that can inspire others.

Here is the programme:

l #Mute is a debate about the ever-present connection between politics and social issues in South Africa. The narrative is revealed through the tale of a young woman, Puseletso. At The Arena on the August 11, 13 and 15.

l Women’s Liberation – Isililo Sabafazi is at the Arena on August 12, 14 and 15. It tells the story of one of the most celebrated women activists, Dr Charlotte Maxeke, who gave birth to the influential Bantu Women’s League, which would later be known as the African National Congress’ Women’s League.

l Diamond Mokoape’s Silent (at the Arena), is about a girl who harbours a painful past and is filled with disappointment and mistrust. She has to dig into the very same past if she hopes to lead a normal life and create a new identity and destiny for herself.

l On August 18, 20 and 21, the Intimate Theatre is the venue for The Fake Zulu Median, a one-woman comedy show which follows the life of a Zulu maiden who is regarded as fake by society, as she is “thin” on the inside, but compensates by being “thick” on the outside. This reflective piece demonstrates the many faces a woman can have, some of which are not easily accepted. Weight, race, unemployment, sexuality and other often taboo topics are all tackled with a great sense of humour.

l Seity Violent Echoes and Scores is as unconventional as plays come, as it traces elements of violence within relationships and how this affects couples. This is the perfect vehicle to express outrage when it comes to violence against women. It is staged at Satchmo’s Court Yard on August 20, 21 and 22.

l The fringe programme highlights everyday topics that women are faced with. Elkehof Ladies is a funny look at the female cleaners who have become part of universities in South Africa. As the workplace is no longer just a boys’ club, women have to do what they can to take care of their families as well. Catch it at the Arena, on August 25 and 27.

l Dance is represented by Iwa Lewa, choreographed by Bafikile Sedibe. It is a conversation about what the so-called ideal spouse should be and why this is an absurd idea. In the Arena on August 22 and 29, it aims to show that a good character is far better than any physical trait.

l Ayanda Sithebe’s Historical Journey, choreographed by Themba Mathabela, tracks our history, fusing African contemporary dance with cultural songs. It runs at the Arena on August 22 and 29.

l The musical imprint of the festival includes Pascaline Modiba, an urban gospel and jazz artist who will dazzle with her incredible vocal range and an ability to cross over genres. (State Theatre Fountain on August 14). The same day and the same venue showcases the Blue Velvet Jazz Band who perform their signature sounds.

l Young artists are given a platform to showcase their wares on the catwalk. Those in the audience can purchase whatever is on show. The Vavasati Fashion Show is curated by Gontse Moagi and will take place on August 29 in the Transvalia room.

An art exhibition by Revillusion Art runs at the Arena Bar Gallery.

l For a detailed programme, log on to www.statetheatre.co.za.

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