After two long years, the National Arts Festival will return to its hometown of Makhanda for a live celebration of the arts from 23 June-3 July.
We're not just picking up where we left off. Much has evolved in the arts, and for all of us, in the last two years. Mindful of this, we bring you a carefully curated program and an intimate, inspiring experience - to make sense of the world or escape it completely.
A reflection on our times, imaginings of a better - or just different - way, flights of fantasy, stories from the past, and the complexity of being here now. These are the first shows to appear on the evolving #NAF2022 program.
The much-anticipated works of the 2021 Standard Bank Young Artists, Buhlebezwe Siwani (Visual Art), Thando Doni (Theatre), Cara Stacey (Music), Vuma Levin (Jazz), Gavin Krastin (Performance Art), and Kristi-Leigh Gresse (Dance) will bring fresh perspectives from some of the country’s most innovative creatives.
Pictured below: The 2021 Standard Bank Young Artists.
The Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra will present Homeland, bringing together the talents of Tim Moloi, Gloria Bosman, and Monde Msutwana to pay tribute to some of the greatest songs and songwriters from South Africa. Famous songs by Vusi Mahlasela, Alan Silinga, Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, and Mafikizolo, are given a new life by the Orchestra and soloists, who will have you on your feet, dancing and singing along, as we move through the years re-visiting these great moments from our musical history.
The Festival will also present a programme of comedy and music as well as a professional programme for artists to absorb and reconnect around. International producers have been invited to the Festival and will be scouting for work.
The Village Green will be a festive meeting place in between shows. Grab lunch at a food truck, browse the craft vendors and warm up in the sunshine in the relaxed outdoor seating area. Despite the lockdown years, Makhanda’s restaurant scene is still robust and growing – and The Long Table will be back! Makhanda looks forward to welcoming you.
Pictured below: Previous festival-goers at the Village Green.
The full program and ticket sales will be available online at nationalartsfestival.co.za from 3 May 2022.
Head to Makana Tourism to book your accommodation soonest and consider extending your stay in the Eastern Cape too, for ideas and bookings go to https://visiteasterncape.co.za
If you've got questions, we're here to help - drop us a mail anytime.
We can't wait to see you there!
Team NAF 2022
