Patience Bambalele

Patience Bambalele

As part of Women's Month celebrations, Durban's Playhouse Theatre will stage the South African Women's Arts Festival from July 29 to August 16.

Now in its 12th year, the festival (Sawaf) features cutting edge poetry, music, drama, dance and visual arts.

The programme kicks off at the Drama Theatre with Duma Ndlovu's acclaimed drama, The Game, on July 29. It will run until August 10 and features talented actresses such as Leleti Kumalo, Sindi Dlathu, Mary Twala, Lucia Mthiyane, Phumelephi Mthombeni and Simpiwe Ngema.

While on the other side, at the Loft Theatre, the musical Women of Dzonga will run for three days.

The exciting musical has thrilling dance moves featuring domba dance, accapella singing, contemporary dance, kwasa kwasa and even items from the play Sophiatown, among others. The show that portrays how women celebrate important moments in their lives, in both traditional and modern culture, runs from August 6 until August 9.

On August 10, Sawaf's Gala Concert featuring Letta Mbulu, Johnny Clegg and Swazi Dlamini takes place at the Playhouse Theatre.

Aspiring poets will shine at the Open Mic Poetry session on August 9.

There's more. Female deejays who have made their names in this tough field will spin discs on August 10. Featured deejays include DJ Zinhle, DJ Cindo and DJ Sem.

Dance lovers can look forward to Desire Davids, which will be performed by Zinhle Gumede, Louise Fraquet-Golding, Lucile Sproull, Quinton Ribonaar and Davids. This thrilling dance piece will be performed from August 14 to August 16.

Tickets for this entertaining festival are available at Computicket.