Artscape creating a space of care this women’s month

Artscape aims to be a haven for all communities as we showcase women during August, which marks Women’s Month.

ARTSCAPE WOMEN HUMANITIES ARTS FESTIVAL

The 16th edition of the Artscape Women Humanities Arts Festival will take place from 3 to 27 August, with a series of stage productions, two  book launches, a film screening, among other things.

There will also be a number of festivities on Women’s Day, August 9, with a Circle of Care at the centre of the festival in solidarity with all victims of the COVID pandemic, and those affected by gender-based violence.

This is the first post-COVID festival that aims to provide a space for healing – with themes of breathing, grounding, care and belonging.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human right violations in South Africa, and knows no economic or social boundaries. The Circle of Care aims to remember those who suffered through this scourge of society by inhaling their hurt, pain and trauma, and exhaling their memories and wholeness in a peaceful, safe space.

Says Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux: “Every year during Women’s Month, we at Artscape as a collective raise our voice using the Arts as a conduit through the Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival  highlighting the profile, power, performance and plight of women in particular. Equally we celebrate the great strides we have made as a gender, and indeed together as a country including paying tribute to those who have led the way to secure our emancipation. This year as we return to normality after two gruelling years of restrictions, I invite all Capetonians to join us as we actively demonstrate our care for ourselves, for others, for others not like ourselves, for our children, the environment and even for our adversaries, by joining hands in a moment of silence and raising our voices”.

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HERE’S A TASTE OF WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ARSCAPE:

Spertyd: – 3 – 4 August

This adaption of Elsa Joubert’s autobiography describes her journey through a contentment of age.

She writes about the ageing process honestly and devoid of sentiment. This insightful, intimate story is performed by the amazing Sandra Prinsloo and is produced by Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck and Alexa Strachan. Philip Rademeyer’s adaptation of Elsa Joubert’s autobiographic work is a definite highlight developed by the Aardklop Arts Festival! Sandra Prinsloo was nominated for a Fiëstas award as best actress and in 2022 the production received the Fleur du Cap award for best performance in a one person show.

The Unlikely Secret Agent: 4 – 9 August

Written and directed by award winning actor and playwright, Paul du Toit, and based on the Alan Paton Award winning novel by Ronnie Kasrils, the story tells of Eleanor, an unassuming, young single mother who is arrested in Durban and interrogated in a 90-day detention over her lover and  notorious “Terrorist”, Red Ronnie Kasrils. This is a true depiction of bravery and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The Unlikely Secret Agent was nominated for eight Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, with Paul du Toit winning Best Director.

Yekabani le Panty (Who’s panty is this): 4 – 9 August

A gripping performance by Peggy Tunyiswa and Carin Bester is about a white woman and black woman who unpack their differences and challenge the oppression between them and take back their power. This site-specific interventional performance art piece questions the patriarchal structure on womxn.

Onder Die Brug 25 – 27 August

This story, written by Raydene Le Roux, tells an adventurous tale of a young man who ran away from his small-town life to Cape Town, in search of a better life. However, things don’t quite work out. The character, Allan, shares how he finds himself ‘Onder ‘n Brug’.