As always, the National Arts Festival has proven once again to be host some of the finest performances and l being the cultural melting pot of the arts in the country.
Some of these performances are marked by awarding the finest of plays with awarding them with Standard Bank Ovation awards. Here are a couple that have caught our eyes:
Tswalo
Directed by Mahlatsi Mokgonyana with the writer and performer being Billy Langa, Tswalo explores spirituality, with Langa taking the audiences on a journey to explore their existence, while simultaneously exploring his own.
Tswalo. Picture: Supplied
Using poetry and the art of physical storytelling, as tools to aid this process. Tswalo is currently on everyday at midday, at the Princess Alice Hall until July 7.
Sullied
Directed by Kristi-Leigh Gresse with performances by Lebogang Mulundi and Okuhle Danti, Sullied is a physical movement piece that tackles issues of religion, race, gender, sexuality and rape culture.
Sullied. Picture: Megan Kelly, Cue Media
The production poignantly questions how we exist in a world where human intolerance and abuse is the order of the day. It makes use of a mixture of dance and spoken word to push this tough conversation.
The Revlon Girl
Directed by Steven Feinstein, written by Neil Anthony Docking with a talented South African cast, the production looks through themes of extreme pain and loss, following the intimate stories of five women, who have all experienced loss and pain.
The Revlon Girl: Picture: Jan Potgieter
This is after the 1966 October disaster in Aberfan. You are guaranteed to go through a rollercoaster of emotions, leading to a fulfilling yet hilarious resolution. Revlon Girl is currently on at The Hangar at the National Arts Festival, until July 8.
For more on NAF Standard Bank Ovation award winners and other shows visit: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.