Party on in Gauteng

The theatre programme, Gauteng Alternative Space, presented by the Southern African Theatre Initiative, will also be running in the same precincts showcasing stage actors, directors, playwrights, directors and all the other elements that form a piece of theatre art. The performance topics range from teaching tolerance, respect and women's empowerment, to the importance of the World Cup and tackling social issues. The performances also form part of a skills-development programme in the arts.

After the excitement of the games

The precincts will keep the festive atmosphere alive after the excitement of the games, with a number of pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues clustered within particular areas for the fans and fun seekers to choose from, all within walking distance of each other.

Up to five venues have been identified in each municipality and will be supported with arts and entertainment programming on a regular basis throughout the World Cup. Headline South African bands will also feature at various venues in the Arts and Entertainment Precincts around Gauteng, ably supported by the Puisano bands: a collection of bands and musicians that are being nurtured by the Gauteng Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture department.

New bands

Amongst the new bands featured will be Up Beat and Four Seasons, the joint winners of the Puisano Live 2009 Award for the best band. The funky soulful jazz of Quiet Storm, the rich a capella voices of the Sophia Sistas, the jazzy jives of Juxtaposed Virtue, the Afro-Jazz fusion of Wafawafa and the dynamic creativity of the Medumo Art Ensemble will also be on show until 11 July, 2010.

In addition to the exciting events happening at all these sites; the Newtown Cultural precinct will also be hosting a broad variety of arts and entertainment activity.