The Vrygrond Family Festival, a project of ASSITEJ SA and Theatre Arts Admin Collective, will be a powerful explosion of talent in the Vrygrond/Capricorn community from 15-17 November 2013. A range of productions, workshops, talks with artists, an Opening parade, storytelling and free activities for children will ensure that audiences of all ages and from all parts of Cape Town are kept entertained, in a vibrant and accessible community space, close to Muizenberg. This year’s festival has something for everyone. Productions range from the joyful and engaging “MAfrika” created and performed by Nicola Jackman, to the searingly moving “Mhla Salamana”, directed by the talented Thando Doni. “Below My Feet” is a passionate and vibrant dance piece, which challenges young audiences to think about their lives afresh, and “Memory” by veteran Theatre for Africa director/performer, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and cast, promises to tell a timeless story of elephants’ relationship with man in a piece of polished physical storytelling. Before each professional production, there will be a curtain-raiser of poetry, rap, music or dance from local Vrygrond children and youth, and the final performance of the festival is the “Local Talent Explosion”, which allows all the local performers to rule the stage for the evening. Winner of the Audience Choice Award for best film at DIFF, the popular South African movie, Felix, will also be featured with interviews with the writer, Shirley Johnston and extracts from the film and behind the scenes interviews being screened. Some performances can’t be contained within buildings so the Opening Parade will take puppets to the streets, courtesy of UNIMA SA, as we wake the community up to the excitement of the festival. Julia Malema & the BFF promises to be an outrageous and engaging street satire as the President of the Babes Freedom Front takes to the streets for voter registration… Workshops are available in circus skills, mask-making and storymaking with facilitaors that include Janice Honeyman, Azana Watrous, Susan Danford and Claire Berlein. There will also be daily storytelling slots for all ages from Gavin Bonner, Janice Honeyman and Masello Motana, for all those who love a good tale… “Tea and Conversations” provides a daily opportunity to meet the professional performers and to find out more about the life of an artist. There are also meals available on site, as well as free activities for children, which include face painting, soccer, skipping contests and organized games. All are welcome. Tickets can be bought for single events, but day tickets provide the best value. Family ticket (4 people for 1 day x 5 events): R100
Double ticket (2 people for 1 day x 5 events): R50
Single ticket (1 person for 1 day x 5 events): R40
Show or Workshop: R20
Storytelling or Tea& Conversation: R10
Meal: R20
Download the full programme on the website: www.assitej.org.za. Booking is available through [email protected] or by phoning 021 822 0070/1/2. EFT payments are also accepted. You can also come in person to buy your ticket at Vrygrond Community Centre, Vrygrond Avenue, Vrygrond, 7945, Muizenberg East, Cape Town, South Africa. Performances are mostly in the Capricorn Primary School, and other events take place in the Vrygrond Library and the Vrygrond Community centre itself.
