The National Arts Festival (NAF) is celebrating its 51st year in Makhanda, showcasing the growth of South Africa’s most significant cultural event. Originally focused on theatre, the festival has expanded to include dance, music, comedy, visual arts, and literature, under the guidance of curator Rucera Seethal and her artistic team.
Opening week featured standout performances, including Cape Ballet Africa’s SALT, a fusion of classical and contemporary dance featuring works by Mthuthuzeli November, Kirsten Isenberg, and Michelle Reid.
In the visual arts, Nyakallo Maleke’s Teaching In Ways That Teach Us To Care, the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient for Visual Art, offered an emotionally resonant installation incorporating delicate baking paper and found objects, symbolising resilience and memory.
Dance performances like Road, by Oscar Buthelezi and Muzi Shili, explored life’s journeys through physical storytelling, while Samantha Carlisle’s one-woman show Messy tackled themes of sex, intimacy, and societal judgment.
Abednigo Dhlamini’s Isilwane Esimnyama (The Black Beast) honoured Uyinene Mrwetyana, blending ritual, physical theatre, and poetic dialogue to confront social injustice.
The Literature Festival, under new curator Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe, has become central to NAF, hosting panels, workshops, and discussions with figures like Dr John Kani, Aubrey Sekhabi, and Khaya Dlanga.
Upcoming highlights include Fraser Grace’s political drama Breakfast with Mugabe, Janice Honeyman’s family-friendly circus-theatre Marlow and the Moon Maiden, and Bridling, a collaboration between Nadia Davids and Jay Pather exploring creativity and power dynamics.
Music performances feature acapella group The Soil, winners of the inaugural Igwijo competition, and local artist Dumza Maswana. The festival also continues its Ovation Awards, supporting emerging talent.
NAF CEO Monica Newton praised the festival’s ability to blend global and local perspectives, fostering innovation, conversation, and artistic excellence.
The National Arts Festival runs in Makhanda until July 6.
