Finding healing through dance – Iqhawe Elingaphakathi Kum (Shadow Pillar)
n an aim to raise awareness about mental health-related diseases, the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) will stage a contemporary dance show, Iqhawe Elingaphakathi Kum (Shadow Pillar) choreographed and performed by none other than the acclaimed choreographer and dancer Mcebisi Bhayi. Iqhawe Elingaphakathi kum’ (Shadow Pillar) is an African contemporary work; a thought-provoking dance piece that addresses and encourages individuals who are about to give up in life to look deep within themselves for the unseen element that keeps us rising up when we fall. In every religion or human belief, there is a pillar of strength to help us overcome the challenges and obstacles that we come across. Our inner souls become our strength, our inner voices become our pillars and weapons to survive and prevail in life. The unseen spirits that live within us push us to our destination. And this is what the producer of the show had to say about the show “This dance piece is more than a performance; it’s a celebration of the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us. In a world filled with challenges, obstacles, and moments of despair, “Iqhawe Elingaphakathi kum’” is a testament to the power that lies beneath the surface—a shadow pillar that upholds us when we are on the verge of giving up. The title itself, “Shadow Pillar,” hints at the mysterious and often overlooked aspects of our inner selves. In every culture, religion, and human belief system, there exists a source of strength that transcends the visible, an unseen force that guides us through the darkest moments. This dance piece seeks to explore and celebrate that intangible essence”. It is set to premiere: Date: 14-16 March Venue: Andre Huguenet Theatre Time: 18h30 Tickets are now available at Webtickets and PACOFS’ booking office. End—————————————————- For media inquiries, contact Maseeta Makgabane at 079 875 6177. www.pacofs.co.za
Coal Yard
15 April 2024 For Immediate Release: PACOFS starts its fiscal year with an exhilarating theatre show, 18-20 April 2024 Performing Arts Centre of The Free State has partnered with the Market Theatre Foundation to offer you one of the most touching experiences through a drama production “Coal Yard. With a title like Coal Yard, described as the worst place in the world to work, and the issue of sexual abuse, who’d have thought you would be laughing for almost 90 minutes? Coal Yard starts with a burst of energy that never lets up and even though the actors last the course, the audience must keep a close watch to stay abreast. The pace is lightning fast, the dialogue quick and witty and the four actors change character as speedily as they swap hats. And all the time, they add their soundtrack as chairs squeak, doors adopt a personality and even a taxi ride takes on a life of its own. Donkeys and dogs, babies and their mamas, an Indian boss, abusive fathers, doting mothers, and duplicitous girlfriends are all part of the repertoire. The play is as exciting as the genre that bubbles with creativity from beginning to end. There’s too much to catch it all, the vernacular changes so often it’s difficult to check if it’s a language you understand, but none of it matters because the meaning is always crystal clear. If anyone doubts the vibrancy of our theatre, Coal Yard is proof enough of the kind of talent that is emerging all the time. From the exuberant acting to the clever script that has you laughing all the way yet still whacks you with an extraordinary message in the end, Coal Yard establishes yet another uniquely South African way of telling a story. It crosses cultures and ages as it introduces theatre that plays with and speaks to the people. It is difficult to believe that the origin is a community theatre festival and it underscores. the Market Theatre’s claim that the annual Zwakala Festival is one of the most important showcases for new South African theatre talent. Coal Yard should travel around the country and pack them in. It displays the wealth of the South African theatre tradition while at the same time reinventing storytelling in a way that is accessible and hugely entertaining. And yet, the message never loses impact. Tickets are available on Webtickets and PACOFS’ booking office for R100pp or R80pp for group booking. End—————————————————- For media enquiries, contact Maseeta Makgabane at 079 875 6177. www.pacofs.co.za
KING OF BROKEN THINGS BY: multi-award-winner Michael Taylor-Broderick
The King of Broken Things is a journey into the broken heart of a young boy, a journey of discovery through his experiments, projects, and creations. Through the boy’s sense of abandonment and his outlook on the world, the audiences are challenged to acknowledge their own ‘brokenness’. Through his love for discarded objects, this ‘King of Broken Things’ teaches us the importance of reparation and how all things, seen and unseen, can be mended, creating new things from old; then his story bleeds from the fun and frivolous into one increasingly poignant and personal, where the rehabilitation of things broken and discarded gets to include people and hearts. The show touches on ancient Japanese traditions, on mythology and dreams, and reminds us of the magic that we so easily forget is everywhere. The King of Broken Things is a timely reminder to us all to think about the world and the repercussions of our actions, thoughts, and the things we say. And how we mere mortals would do well to dwell more on the magic words – imagine, believe, and dream. It’s a show that will touch many souls both young and old, it’s a show that every young person and scholar should not miss because it’s so educational and healing at the same time. The King of Broken Things is scheduled to perform for three days in Bloemfontein Andre Huguenet theatre from 23-25 May at 18:00. Tickets are available at PACOFS booking offices and Webtickets. And they cost R100pp or R80pp for groups of (5) five or more. End—————————————————- For media inquiries, contact Maseeta Makgabane at 079 875 6177 or email info@pacofs.co.za
The International Launch of Obeah Opera – The First Canadian Original Musical to Tour in South Africa During Women’s Month | 3-City Tour!
BLOEMFONTEIN (PACOFS) 15 -17 AUGUST 2024 Obeah Opera, the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, spirit-lifting, magical musical sensation, is thrilled to announce its international premiere tour in South Africa this August, in celebration of Women’s Month. This powerful and uplifting production will be visiting the Soweto Theatre, Performing Arts Centre Of The Free State (PACOFS), and the South Africa State Theatre, ushering the first ever Canadian original production in South Africa and the first-ever co-production collaboration between the three giant theatres, bringing a unique and vibrant cultural experience to audiences across the country. Obeah Opera is a groundbreaking musical that redefines the narrative of the historically famous 1692 Salem witch trials in America from the perspective of Caribbean enslaved women. Written and composed by Nicole Brooks, this all-female acappella production fuses rich harmonies and rhythmic complexity, creating a mesmerizing and deeply moving experience. The untraditional opera’s powerful storytelling, infused with Caribbean folklore and spirituality which has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach and compelling performances. The tour’s timing during South Africa’s Women’s Month is particularly significant, as Obeah Opera highlights themes of female empowerment, resilience, and unity. This celebration of women’s voices aligns perfectly with the spirit of Women’s Month, honouring the contributions and strength of women throughout history and today. Audiences can look forward to a captivating performance that transcends traditional opera moving away from its European classical standard and using an array of different musical genres mainly found in what is termed ‘Black’ music such as spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, traditional African, Caribbean Folk, Calypso, ska, R&B and reggae. Obeah Opera promises an immersive experience filled with dynamic a cappella singing, intricate choreography, and a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. The show’s energy and magic are set to inspire and uplift, making it a must-see event this August. Tickets are available on Webtickets and PACOFS’ booking office for R100pp or R80pp for group booking.
“’n Wille-Woele-Weste Storie” bring die “cowboys” terug Bloem toe
Bloemfontein moet gereed staan, die “cowboys” is oppad! Die kinderstuk “’n Wille-Woele-Weste Storie” word in Augustus weer opgevoer in Studio 2 by PACOFS (Performing Arts Center Of the Free State) in Bloemfontein, na drie jaar se afwesigheid. Die toneelstuk, wat in 2019 by die Vrystaat Kunstefees gedebuteer het, het sy laaste draai in 2021 gemaak in die einste Studio 2. Die toneelstuk is geskryf deur C.W. Laten en Nic Beukes, wie albei ook die regie behartig. Die rolverdeling bestaan uit Kovsie Alumni, wie almal ‘n graad in Drama en Teaterkuns besit. Hierdie sluit in Jaco Enslin, Juné Pretorius, Marnique Terblanche en Lorenzo Dampies. Die storie handel oor ‘n “cowgirl” (want “koeimeisie” klink te vreemd) wie deur die warm woestyn van die weste reis, opsoek na die skelm Stinkoog-Vernon, wie iets baie kosbaar van haar gesteel het – haar naam! Op haar reis, ontmoet sy vele snaakse karakters; van die liewe-lawwe kroeglaaitie Janus en sy magtige mop, tot die slinkse Langbeen Lara en haar breinaalde. Die stuk is geskryf met die oog om beide oud en jonk te vermaak met ‘n opwindende verhaal, pittige humor en asemrowende gevegde soos net “cowboys” kan. Sal ons heldin haar naam terugkry? Of gaan dit vir altyd aan Stinkoog-Vernon behoort, die man wie ‘n oogstaarkompetisie teen die son gewen het? “’n Wille-Woele-Weste Storie” word opgevoer op 8 en 9 Augustus 2024 om 10:00, asook op 10 Augustus 2024 om 18:00. Kaartjiepryse werk uit op R80 per persoon, of R60 per persoon vir ‘n groepsbespreking van 5 of meer. Kaartjies is beskikbaar op die Webtickets webwerf.