NSA is ready to perform
JOBURG - Festival of Fame, the country’s leading Youth Arts festival, bursts onto the stage in March at the Joburg Theatre and throughout National School of the Arts in Braamfontein.
As the winner of the Basa Award (Business and Arts South Africa) for Increasing Access to the Arts, the Festival of Fame presents a spectacular line-up of almost 20 productions featuring leading professionals and the cream of South Africa’s future arts icons.
Topping the bill is the enchanting musical, Once On This Island, which received seven Tony Award nominations and won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical on London’s West End.
Directed by Joburg Theatre resident director, Timothy le Roux, and leading professional Tracy Human, this Calypso-flavoured musical is described by critics as 90 minutes of pure joy.
Tthis year, the renowned dance extravaganza, Dance Spectrum, offers dance lovers a special delight with the first-ever staging in the country with excerpts of the spectacular ballet, The Pharaoh’s Daughter, by revered choreographer Petipa, alongside a line-up of other ballet pieces, a foot-stomping new Spanish piece, contemporary dance and, excitingly, the premiere of a new piece choreographed by leading young South African choreographer, Sunnyboy Mandla Matau, of Moving Into Dance Mophathong.
Taking your breath away with magic and laughter is the shadow puppetry animated art exhibition of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes – Cinderella, a must for art lovers and Dahl fans.
Two of South Africa’s most acknowledged new poets, Phillippa Ya Ya de Villiers and Napho Masheane, will lead Weave Up Words, a poetry festival featuring their work, some school set work poems and original works by budding poets.
The daily Rhythm, Rap ‘n Rock lunch hour outdoor concerts will feature a line-up of fabulous award-winning musical talent including Vincent Bones, Tholwane Mohale, Asanda Mquiki, Kay Mosiane and Candice Barnwell.
Drama productions include After Dark in the Groot Marico, The Visit by playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt, the riveting Making Mandela, Last Cow Standing, Sex & Me (a rite of passage tale for our young teens) and a host of new original multi-genre plays.
Jazz, a cappella, classical, rock, hip-hop and a dynamic choral showcase are among the music offerings, and you can even meet the stars.
Festival of Fame is hosted by the National School of the Arts in association with ASSITEJ (International Association of Theatre for Children & Young People).
Details: www.festivaloffame.co.za
