Cultural Commentary
latest news & developmentsIn a world built for scrolling, can book fairs still survive?
A quiet conversation at the Kingsmead Book Fair became a reflection on shrinking attention spans, digital culture and the fragile future of reading
Vuyelwa Maluleke’s ‘The Blue Album’ and the language of return
A one-woman performance that confronts memory, violence and complicity, as Vuyelwa Maluleke reclaims language to tell a black queer township story on her own terms
Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni Shines in Sierra’s Gold, Wins Best Actress
In a triumphant comeback, Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni captivates audiences and critics alike, winning Best Actress for her raw and magnetic performance in Sierra’s Gold
A ‘One-Night Stand’ with Amogelang Maepa
A chance gallery stop becomes an intimate encounter with Amogelang Maepa’s sensual, emotionally charged exploration of fleeting desire and lasting residue
Thando Mama steals the spotlight at Spier Light Art Festival
A twilight visit to Spier Light Art unfolds into a layered reflection, as two voices capture the power, intimacy and meaning of contemporary South African art
Zee Nxumalo isn’t chasing depth — she’s living it
At 23, the singer-songwriter is shaping South African music on her own terms, blending beats, introspection and a fearless sense of self
Pride, protest and power: Who really owns queer liberation in Joburg?
Amid boycotts and protests, queer Joburg found something radical at Zoo Lake — a Pride rooted in love, agency and authenticity
Typos & change: Jonathan Schultz and the alchemy of identity
In his latest body of work, Johnathan Schultz trades spectacle for soul, reimagining gold as a vessel for memory, resilience and identity
Opera’s comedy slipstream: A barber worth buzzing about
With razor-sharp timing, gymnastic vocals and uproarious performances, this production of The Barber of Seville is a riot of theatrical delight
Bitter Winter: the show will go on but what of the people in it?
An old actor, a young upstart, and a kettle on the fritz — Bitter Winter turns the ordinary into something unforgettable
Lesedi Molefi’s Patient 12A is a whirlpool of consciousness
Lesedi Molefi’s memoir Patient 12A explores his battle with mental illness.