Thespians, amateur artists and internationally renowned industry experts will all come together to ensure the Iphulo Drama Festival is an enthralling experience for arts lovers while providing a platform for aspiring theatre enthusiasts.
Everything from workshops and masterclasses to one-of-a-kind performances and films will be showcased at the 2025 event that was launched at the Athenaeum on Monday evening.
The festival runs from March 10 to March 15.
The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (MBTC) partnered with the Mandela Bay Film Forum and Dr Niyi Coker of the San Diego State University to bring the event to fruition and potentially culminate in the hosting of the Africa World Documentary Festival.
During the launch on Monday, theatre stalwart Athol Fugard was also honoured for his immense contribution to the industry both locally and internationally with the festival being poised as a catalyst to develop the next generation of theatre professionals.
Just more than 50 people along with sport, recreation, arts and culture political head Bongekile Mankahla and keynote speaker Bheki Mkhwane attended the festival launch.
Mankahla saluted Fugard, saying if it were not for people like him, the metro would not be hosting events like the festival.
“As the municipality it is part of our mission to empower and develop our upcoming artists from all fraternities.
“We want to break the norm of artists having to go to other provinces to be established,” Mankahla said.
The festival is supported by the national department of sport, arts and culture, and the Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts and culture.
Mandela Bay Theatre Complex acting marketing and brand manager Kent Cairncross said the festival would feature groundbreaking theatrical productions from some of the resilient voices in the theatre industry.
“The call was shared last year on MBTC’s social media, and the call closed in September, months in advance to allow for proper curation.
“There were upwards of 10 submissions, but six standout productions were selected.
“There is a mix of contemporary drama, African adaptations, experimental theatre and social commentary pieces,” Cairncross said.
Under the banner of innovation and artistic excellence, the festival will feature the following lineup:
- Weave (March 11 and 13) — A poignant exploration of generational ties and resilience. Produced by Mojalefa Koyana, Lungelwa Magqamfana and Mfundo Zono based in Gqeberha;
- Uvuko Lwethongo (March 13 and 14) — A bold theatrical experience that challenges boundaries. Produced by Sakhumzi Sogcwe based in Gqeberha;
- Spirit of Shakespeare in Africa (March 13 and 14) — A fresh, African perspective on Shakespearean themes. Produced by Thamsanqa Mbongo based in Johannesburg;
- Top Dog/Underdog (March 14 and 15) — A gripping drama exploring race, class, and identity. Produced by Niyi Coker Jr based in San Diego, US;
- Jika (March 12 and 15) — A moving piece reflecting on transformation and resilience. Produced by Ayanda Billie based in Kariega; and
- The Journey (March 12 and 15) — A thought-provoking exploration of personal and collective history. Produced by Simphiwe Vikilahle based in Gqeberha.
Beyond the stage performances, the festival will also offer a masterclasses programme, book discussions and industry engagements.
Masterclasses will be held by award-winning Mkhwane, a veteran stage and television actor as well as Prof Anton Krueger, an academic and lecturer at Rhodes University.
A special promotion for the book, A Quest for Justice, by Mzukisi Ndara will be held on March 12, offering festivalgoers the opportunity to engage with literary works and their creators.
The session will be facilitated by Mxolisi Nyezwa, a local internationally acclaimed poet and publisher.
MBTC chief executive Monde Ngonyama said the Eastern Cape was fortunate to had been gifted theatre giants such as Winston Ntshona, John Kani, Athol Fugard, Nomhle Nkonyeni and Gibson Kente who paved the way.
He posed the question that if those icons made it during a time when they did not have support, what was stopping the current generation from following in their footsteps.
Individual show tickets are priced at R80 per performance, with a festival pass available for R300, granting access to all productions.
Tickets can be purchased online via Webtickets, with a special discount in ticket prices available for students and pensioners at R60 per show as well as R250 for a festival pass.
The Herald
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