Alex La Guma’s harrowing journey is brought to life in ‘Dance of the La Gumas’
|Published
“Dance of the La Gumas”
Alex La Guma’s evocative stories and harrowing experiences are brought to life with elegance and style in this captivating stage production.
“Dance of the La Gumas” also seeks to commemorate the centenary of the world-renowned South African novelist’s birthday. He was born in District Six in the Mother City on February 20, 1924, and died, aged 61, in Havana, Cuba on October 11, 1985.
“It tells the literary icon and anti-apartheid activists’s remarkable story of a heritage almost buried by the banning and exile of the apartheid state,” a statement read.
The show will also delve into his renowned works such as 1978’s “A Soviet Journey” and “Time of the Butcherbird”, which he wrote in 1979.
In addition, it will feature insight into his time as the leader of the South African Coloured People's Organisation (SACPO) and how his works helped to characterise the movement against apartheid.
Written by Basil Appollis and Sylvia Vollenhoven, “Dance of the La Gumas” stars Rehane Abrahams, Elton Landrew and Jacques Theron, with choreography by Grant van Ster.
“Throughout this compelling tale is a powerful love story that combines the gentility of dance or poetry, brutal torture and exotic global adventures with equal ease,” the statement added.
“The tentacles of that brutality reach right into our lives in the 21st Century.”
The show will also explore how La Guma was hounded, tortured and driven from his home country as well as the several awards he won all over the world and how he was buried in the Heroes Acre of a Cuban cemetery.
“Apartheid carved a hole in the heart of South African literature and Alex La Guma strides into that gap with the force of a colossus.”
Meanwhile, as the 90-minute show contains violent scenes, youngsters under the age of 12 will not be permitted to watch it.
Where: The Artscape Theatre in Foreshore.
When: Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10 at 6pm.
Cost: Tickets range from R120-R150 and are available at Webtickets.
“Ont(POP)”
This award-winning production, which explores how the world views women, is sure to tickle theatregoers’s funny bone
“We delve into a mother's broken dreams and the images we create of ourselves,” the producers said.
It added that It's “all good and funny until we recognise how special we truly are.”
"For you, she’s just a doll, or is she? The universal woman, mother, daughter, friend—have you ever taken the time to look deeper?"
As modern women play many roles, the producers invite ladies to it in order for them to decide which "type" of woman they are.
“We take the serious image of being a woman and laugh at ourselves because if we don't, who will?”
Ont(POP) has earned widespread acclaim since it was written in 2014 by Suenel Myburgh and Sjanel Vosloo, who also starred in the play.
In 2015, the duo won the Best Newcomers prize at the Woordtrofees Awards in Stellenbosch.
“A decade later, we celebrate good entertainment and plan to go bigger than ever,” the producers said.
Where: The Drama Factory in Somerset West.
When: Friday, August 9 at 7.30pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R160 and can be purchased from The Drama Factory’s website.
“ABFAB DRAG”
The “Absolutely Fabulous Drag Show (ABFAB DRAG)” returns to the stage as it celebrates the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.
This production will be featured on Women’s Day as part of the renowned Artscape Women's Humanity Arts Festival.
Cape Town boasts a rich drag tradition dating back to the 1930s, with District Six serving as a vibrant hub for expression and creativity.
Today, the city continues to embrace the art of drag, with lively pageants, exhilarating parties, glamorous salons and captivating drag queen shows adorning its cultural landscape.
“ABFAB DRAG” aims to showcase the crème de la crème of the Mother City’s drag performers as they celebrate their unique talents and their captivating artistry.
The show features a line-up of exceptional drag divas, including the incomparable Vida Fantabisher, runner-up of SA's Got Talent 2016, Manila von Teez, the sensational Kat Gilardi, the charismatic Jayde Kay Johnson, the enchanting Angel Lalamore from the renowned drag cabaret group 3D and triple-threat artist, Mitchell Darling.
“ABFAB DRAG” is directed by Appollis while Nkosinathi Sangweni Waka Mtshali guided the choreography.
Meanwhile, Soli Philander will serve as the show’s MC and narrator.
Where: The Artscape Theatre.
When: Friday, August 9, at 8pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R150 and can be purchased from Webtickets.