SA Women's Arts Festival line-up announced

Opening this year's SAWAF programme is She Died Dreaming, presented in the Loft Theatre from 25 to 27 July. This fast-paced story of an ambitious, glamorous and slightly wild career woman seeking love - that final piece to complete life's package - will keep you on the edge of your seat. Join her and her friends on this often funny, sometimes poignant journey in search of the perfect life and love. Written and directed by Jullian Seleke Mokoto, receiver of two FNB Vita Awards, the play features a cast of top performers, including Nomsa Buthelezi (Skwizas), Kelly Khumalo, Zama Ngcobo (Generations) and Linda Sebezo (Generations). Tickets for this show are R65 per person.

Mother to Mother is a powerful play based on the tragic murder of political activist Amy Biehl. Powerhouse actress Thembi Mtshali renders a moving performance as she has a "conversation" - mother to mother. Directed by Janice Honeyman, this incredible production carrying a message of forgiveness and reconciliation can be seen in the Loft theatre between 31 July and 3 August.

Free open-mic session

Entrance to this year's SAWAF open-mic session is once again free to the public and will be held on 3 August starting at 1pm in the Playhouse Drama theatre. The two-hour poetry session, in celebration of Women's Month, will feature prominent artists such as Lebo Mashile, Naima McLean, Malika Ndlovu, Sbo Da Poet and many more. The poetry session will be directed by Dr Gcina Mhlophe. Members of the poetry community are also given an opportunity to participate in this session.

Written and directed by Ronnie Govender, Botoo, a stage piece based on Dr Devi Rajab's book, Women South Africans of India Origin, premieres in The Loft theatre on 8 August and runs until 17 August. Govender has chosen to focus on an interview the writer had with Dr Gonum, a visionary and a feminist who took part in the Passive Resistance Movement. She dressed in the traditional way yet smoked and drank. She was a woman of contradictions and has sparked many debates over the years. Tickets are R100 per person, students R35 each.

The Flatfoot Dance Company, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will present the first half of a high-energy dance double bill, which will run in the Playhouse Drama theatre from 8 to 11 August. With choreography by Lliane Loots, this piece, entitled Hope, features the six resident dancers of this award-winning Durban-based dance company. The performance will see the dancers collaborating with Durban musician Shannon Hope live on stage.

Complementing this work is Imvula, choreographed by award-winning dance luminary Christopher Kindo and performed by the Playhouse Dance Residency. This piece encapsulates the essence of rain and movement, and is accompanied by a brand new classical contemporary creation by Kindo. Tickets for this double bill are R80, with students once again enjoying a concessionary price of R35.

Dialogue session

Set to provide a wealth of stimulating discussion generating much food for thought, this year's SAWAF dialogue session will be held on 10 August in Playhouse's Grand Foyer, with the participation of leading role-players in both the business and political sectors. The topic for this year's dialogue is "Having it all" - Work and family life in the 21st century. Entrance to this session is free.

Coral Bijoux from Amazwi Abesifazane - Voices of Woman Museum, will once again curate an educational exhibition, in collaboration with The Playhouse Company entitled "Conversations We Do Not Have".

The Arts and Crafts exhibition and has grown considerably and, in addition to David Gachomo from Curio Africa, for the first time will be The South Women Entrepreneurs' Network (SAWEN) crafters. Both groups will have a wide selection of arts and crafts on sale to the public in the Main Foyer from 25 July to 17 August.

For more info, go to www.playhousecompany.com.