The festival kicks off with the online performance of Mantis and The Bee, a humorous exploration of /Xam mythology. Developed by the Jungle Theatre Company, this children’s show is based on a story of the first people. Mantis and the Bee were created by the Rain and the Flame to go on an epic journey in search of life. They get involved in an action comedy adventure in a world before the earth was created. The production, in association with the City of Cape Town, goes virtual on the 16 September until the 31 October.
The Kingdom of Ubuntu production was first staged as a musical concert in 2019 at Artscape Theatre to pilot the idea towards a full-scale musical. This year, 2021, the production returns as a full musical theatre spectacular celebrating the heritage and diversity of South Africa through music, dance, poetry, drama, storytelling, and African fashion. It is written by Elvis Sibeko, an internationally acclaimed award-winning dancer and choreographer specialising in what has become known as African contemporary form. Produced in association with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture it is due for broadcast from 24 -30 September 2020.
These productions will be accessible via the Artscape website www.artscape.co.za during the respective dates as announced above. They are free-to-view and thus accessible to all.
