Thebe Mabanga
The Windybrow Centre for the Arts in Hillbrow unveiled its 22nd Arts Festival on Wednesday by painting a mural paying tribute to fallen artists from Matsemela Manaka to Fats Dibeko as well as pianist Moses Molelekwa and Margaret Singana. In many ways the tribute represents the best way for Windybrow to survive: drawing inspiration from the past and infusing innovative strokes of fresh paint.
In this way Windybrow will at least attain a new face without losing the philosophical guidance and influence of that mellifluous, quietly imposing sage, Walter Chakela. For although he remains the venue’s artistic director, he will now be relieved of representing the institution on both the administrative and artistic front.
“I have found that a lot of the work in the festival has been influenced by the immediate, without losing a sense of classical story telling,” says festival director Siphiwe Khumalo of the drama component, which he regards as central to the programme. This is to be complemented by dance, live music and outdoor performances free to the public.
Drama highlights include Selaelo Maredi’s Black Age, Hold up the Sun by Julian Seleke Mokoto and Thokoza by Dieketseng Nkosi. Khumalo has been excited by the interaction between himself and the various groups during the selection process. He guided them in ways of improving their work, drawing on his experience as a lecturer at the Wits Drama School and his 20 years of performing, lighting designing and directing.
Another highlight will be American poet Robert Earl Price who will present workshops on poetry and will stage the life of jazz pianist Thelonius Monk in Blue Monk.
The details
The Windybrow Arts Festival runs until March 30 at the Windybrow Centre for the Arts, 161-167 Nugget Street, Hillbrow. Tickets are available at the theatre at R20. For details call (011) 720 7009