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Theatre Arts
Theatre enthusiasts and culture aficionados are in for a treat as Theatre Arts proudly presents the deeply poignant one-man theatre show, Cantos of a Life in Exile. Written, directed, and performed by the remarkable Makhaola Ndebele, this tale promises to take audiences on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and belonging.
Inspired by the South African experience of being born in exile and yearning for a place to call home, Cantos of a Life in Exile weaves together a tapestry of diverse theatre and performance styles.
Cantos of a Life in Exile is a captivating tale of finding one's true self. It follows the journey of a South African life, born in exile, as it searches for a sense of belonging and a place to call home. The story draws inspiration from a range of theatre and performance styles, with a special focus on traditional Southern African genres such as iiNgoma, iziBongo, and iiNtsomi. These mesmerising forms of storytelling, poetry and healing rituals are deeply ingrained in local cultures, adding a unique and authentic touch to the narrative. Prepare to be blown away by the power and inspiration of this breathtaking story, as it captures your heart and soul, leaving you spellbound and yearning for more.
Makhaola Ndebele is an actor, theatre director, and creative consultant with an illustrious career spanning over 25 years across theatre, television, and film. As a research associate at the University of Johannesburg, Ndebele's work in Performance Auto-ethnography explores how the self, as an archive, can inspire liberatory agency through theatre and performance. This season marks a significant moment for Ndebele, as he returns to Cape Town after two decades, filled with anticipation and excitement.
Theatre Arts director, Caroline Calburn, shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming show, stating, "I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that Makhaola Ndebele is bringing his Cantos of a Life in Exile to Theatre Arts in August."
The limited season will run from the 14th to the 20th of August 2023, at the home of independent theatre: TheatreArts, located in the Methodist Church Hall at Cnr Milton Road and Wesley Street, Observatory, Cape Town.
Performance Schedule:
Preview: Monday, 14th August at 6:45 pm
Opening Night: Tuesday, 15th August at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 16th August at 6:45 pm
Thursday, 17th August at 6:45 pm
Friday, 18th August at 3:00 pm
Saturday, 19th August at 3:00 pm & 6:45 pm
Sunday, 20th August at 4:30 pm
Due to the limited seating capacity, early booking is strongly recommended to secure your place. For more information about Cantos of a Life in Exile and to secure your tickets, please visit www.theatrearts.co.za.