// A few productions to look out for next month //
Wassup fam! The Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) has a diverse lineup for August 2024. Get ready for 'Obeah Opera,' a magical musical sensation with an all-female cast retelling the Salem witch trials through Caribbean slave women's eyes. 'XOVA' brings the hardships of solo parenthood and father absenteeism to the stage in a powerful narrative. 'Noka Namahadi' captures the spirit of community and upbringing in the small town of Namahadi, Frankfort. Finally, 'Mmino Moetsi' showcases an enchanting fusion of African jazz and spiritual melodies.
I'm definitely planning on checking out some of the shows because the last show I went was Sikelela directed by Lungile Themba, and I really enjoyed it (my favorite show for the year so far). For these next shows, you can click on the poster to find out more info about the events and ticket info/click here to see the full list of productions.
Obeah Opera is a hand clapping, foot stomping, spirit lifting, magical musical sensation. Steeped in Black music, sung entirely a cappella by a powerful all-female cast, Obeah Opera is a retelling of the legendary Salem witch trials from the fascinating perspective of Caribbean slave women.
International Touring Production – Soweto Theatre (VAVASATI) / PACOFS/ SAST
BY: CANADA – NICHOLE BROOKS/ SOWETO THEATRE/ STATE THEATRE/ PACOFS
XOVA, ‘Ukuxova’, a Xhosa word meaning to prepare dough for home- baked bread, is a metaphor for the process of raising a child, which is exposed in the narrative. The endured hardships of solo parenthood and father absenteeism is brought to stage for examination. Set on a dry and dusty village on the outskirts of Eastern Cape, Xova follows a young woman in a heavily disadvantaged family bringing a healthy child to life and having to raise it without the father.
Her husband abandoned the family after being retrenched from his job and he has no idea of himself being a father. His wife, only in her early 20s, is left to be a sole breadwinner for her family and new born.
Over 20 theatre awards/ Star Cast/ Indeginous Langauage.
BY: JOSEPH KOMANI
"Noka Namahadi” is a project that is richly inspired by one’s upbringing in Namahadi – Frankfort in the Free State. “It takes a village to raise a child” is a dearly held philosophy in the small farming town of Namahadi, a great sense of community, accountability, and oneness. Being raised in a community where each home felt like family brought a sense of security. When in lack, one was able to reach out to a neighbor for a helping hand.
Double Bill – also part of Hae Lapeng/ Thaba Bosiu Experience the nostalgic charm of Dudu Makhoba’s Noko Namahadi, where taverns were more than just bars-they were hubs of live music and spirited discussions
BY: DUDUZILE MAKHOBA
Mmino Mwedzi: Healing Sounds of a forgotten people music show case that is essentially and African Jazz show (Umgqungqo). It includes majority of Bloemfontein based jazz artists that operate within the boundaries of African Spiritual music and sound.
Double Bill – also part of Hae Lapeng/ Kasi to PACOFS Experience the enchanting fusion of African jazz with spiritual melodies, showcased by Bloemfontein-based artists in “Mmino Moetsi.
BY: KHUTHALA MXHAULI
Comments