Gqeberha’s Stellar Theatre Stars Shine Bright in Grahamstown

Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the largest and most vibrant cultural event in Africa, presents a delightful selection of outstanding talent, both local and international. With a duration of 11 days every year in June and July, the population of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape nearly doubles, drawing more than 50,000 individuals who eagerly gather for an abundance of arts, crafts, and pure entertainment.
From theatre to dance, opera to cabaret, fine art to craft art, classical music to jazz, poetry readings to lectures, every art form imaginable is represented in one of the most diverse festivals in the world. And there’s something for every taste, with techno raves, medieval banquets, craft fairs, cyber cafes, carnivals, buskers and walking tours.
In this esteemed cultural extravaganza, Gqeberha artists had the opportunity to exhibit their exceptional talent. Alongside numerous other Gqeberha artists, the likes of Mongezi Ncwadi, Lonwabo Xatasi, Thando Mabutho, Ntombetsh Ntombethembaa Zitshu, and Lungelwa Magqamfana captivated audiences at the Grahamstown Arts Festival with their remarkable theatre performance “MAMGCINA”, leaving spectators in awe.
This production, adapted from ‘Cry Freedom’, portrays the tale of a black domestic worker who wakes up one morning to discover herself alone, entrusted with the care of a dog. Her master, who is under house arrest, and her family are mysteriously absent. The police interrogate her, suspecting that she holds information about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, she also grapples with an ultimatum from her well-educated but unemployed husband. On the first day of 1978, her husband receives news of Mamgcina’s conviction but struggles to locate her in any of the prisons.
Gqeberha truly stands as a city brimming with an abundance of talent, consistently nurturing and showcasing exceptional artists across various domains. With its richness and unwavering representation, this city continues to shine brightly in numerous spheres, solidifying its reputation as a creative powerhouse.
via https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/show/mamgcina/