All-new Wits 969 Festival for 2010

The all-new WITS 969 Festival 2010 offers a selection of highlights which have made the 969 km journey from the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown to Johannesburg.

Now in its seventh year, Wits 969 2010 is sponsored by Arts Alive (which it forms part of) and the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown to present 30 performances of outstanding music, theatre and dance as well as hosting the Gauteng National Schools Festival under the WITS 969 banner during September.

“In 2004 the 969 Festival was created with the support of the City of Johannesburg’s Economic Development Unit as a means of economically empowering performing artists,” explains Ashraf Johaardien, General Manager of the Wits Theatre. “The City provided funding for 969 for a period of three years and the project originally included the Market Theatre, the Dance Factory as partners. By 2006 Wits Theatre had become sole custodian of the Festival so it is wonderful to be reviving the link with the Market Theatre as a partner venue this year and also to have secured Arts Alive as sponsor for the second year running as well as having National Arts Festival, Grahamstown on board, not only a sponsor but as a key partner.”

The WITS 969 line-up for 2010 is as follows:

WITHOUT BLOOD

Directed by Janine Lewis & Princess Mhlongo

Cast: Janine Lewis & Rantebeng Makapan

Wits Main Theatre

01 – 02 September @ 20:00

Running Time: 90 minutes

No age restriction

An unforgettable fable about the brutality of conflict – and the quest for revenge and healing. Staged as physical storytelling with multi-media it is highly visual and unforgettably sad. Without Blood is about damage, longing, transformation and forgiveness and how we are all shaped by the events of our past.

MOLLY BLOOM

Directed by Nicky Rebelo

Cast: Jennifer Steyn

The Nunnery

01 – 04 September @ 19:30

Running Time: 100 minutes

Age Restriction: 16

Jame’s Joyce’s heroine Molly Bloom from his classic novel Ulysses, lies awake in her bed  in Dublin 1904 way after midnight musing about her life, love, marriage, her adulterous affair, her husband’s desire to be cuckolded, her daughter, her bodily functions, politics and sex and religion. This is a beautiful portrait, full of wit and humour, of a woman, of an earth mother.

elev(i)ate2

Created and performed by Athena Mazarakis

The Nunnery

14 – 18 September @ 18:00

Running Time: 45 minutes

No age restriction

A physically and digitally charged theatre work which elevates the small stories from everyday lives. Moving between the comic and the poetic, it illuminates the battle between being grounded and elevation; between being rooted and floating away …

BACKSTORY

Written by Barry Strydom and Craig Morris

Cast: Barry Strydom and Craig Morris

Directed by Athena Mazarakis

The Nunnery

14 – 18 September @ 20:00

Running Time: 70 minutes

No age restriction

Come experience our epic tale...

A presentation of a groundbreaking discovery: what is the terrible secret that lies within us all...the key to our greatness or our downfall...?

A six million year old story still being told.

“…another tour de force in the making.” – Adrienne Sichel

MBEKI AND OTHER NIGHTMARES

Written and directed by Tsepo Wa Mamatu

Cast: Tony Shadrack Miyambo, Khayalihle Lucas Gumede, Zabalaza Moss Mchunu, Tumi Agnes Motsoatsoe, Kitty Agnes Moepang and Ntombi Mavis Nkuna.

Wits Main Theatre

7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 September @ 19:30

Running Time: 85 minutes

Age Restriction: PG 13 L

Almost two years since Polokwane, we reflect on Mbeki’s unseating and wonder whether Zuma’s presidency is an omen future ‘chirren’ shall curse us for? For some that is water under the bridge, although some have warned that his theatre of impotency might draw the dawn of the country sooner than we all thought. Meanwhile, back at paradise land, deals are handed down to sons and daughters with (in)famous surnames as the relic laughter of the well-rounded Malema makes us ask how we got here so soon? Bring tissues!

GAUTENG NATIONAL SCHOOLS FESTIVAL

Presented by the South African National Schools Festivals present

14 & 15 September | 16 & 17 September

Various venues

The festivals expose the youth to professional work and hands-on workshop experiences with artists. They also engage with intellectuals in lectures and demonstrations. The festivals are diverse in terms of disciplines, categories and participants; and professionals are drawn from national experts committed to establishing a creative nurturing ground and a sustainable arts industry. These projects expose participants to career options and the arts as a meaningful way to explore social issues and raise debate in our young democracy. The aim is to instil in South African youth a sense of pride in their artistic and cultural heritage   essential in a world where globalisation and the attraction of so called “Western” culture threatens to overshadow the importance of South African nation building and the forging of our own identity. For more information go to www.schoolfest.foundation.org.za.

KAPUT!

Directed by James Cuningham

Cast: Taryn Bennett, Helen Iskander and Dorian Burstein

Wits Downstairs Theatre

21 – 25 September @ 19:30

Running Time: 65 minutes

Age Restriction: PG 13 L

In a country that has seen many decades of war, two brothers live peacefully near the Mediterranean sea. They spend their days fishing, barbering and fantasising about the local talent. However, a foreign occupation disrupts their simple lives in ways they couldn't anticipate. “Superb...a festival must on this year’s fringe.” Cue. “A special piece of theatre that will move you, amuse you, impress you with its freshness and linger long after many other festival pieces have faded from memory.” Caroline Smart.  “Mesmerising simplicity” Robyn Sassen.

LITTLE POOF!

Directed by Neels Claasen

Written and performed by Bruce J. Little

Wits Downstairs Theatre

28 – 30 September @ 19:30

Running Time: 70 minutes

Age Restriction: PG16

Bruce J. Little portrays some of your favourite camp characters springing forth from numerous multi-cultured closets. Whether you are gay, bisexual, intersexual or heterosexual this show will delight. Incorporating stand-up comedy, storytelling, cabaret and live music, Little Poof is a testament to the journey of a progressively gay friendly South Africa. It's utterly 'Homofabulous!'

KRUISPAD

Written and directed by Wim Vorster

Cast: Carmen Kershoff, Johan Engelbrecht, André Lötter, Nina Marais, Stephanie Buthelezi, Hildegardt Whites, Christelle van Graan, Chris van Rensburg and guest performer.

Wits Main Theatre

21 – 25 September @ 20:00

Running Time: 115 minutes

Age Restriction: 18 SNLV

A contemporary Afrikaans thriller with classic and ritualistic elements. An average family of above average means is threatened by unknown and deadly forces.

969 MUSIC DOUBLE-BILL: NIBS VAN DER SPUY & THE SOIL

Wits Main Theatre

28 – 30 September @ 19:30

Running Time: 90 minutes

No age restriction

Nibs van der Spuy is an acoustic guitarist, singer songwriter phenomenon from South Africa. His virtuosic acoustic guitar style and a mesmeric whispering voice have attracted a widespread following for its intelligent folk, world and African overtones. Opening for Nibs are newcomers,The Soil, an a capella act directed by Ntsika Ngxanga and Samkelo Mdolomba with choreography by Luphindo Ngxanga. The sound is raw, beautifully unique and allows for the singing of any style of song. Voices are accompanied by a beat box. The Soil is a singing group of five members that specialize in a new music genre, Kasi Soul. The Soil fuses their voices to deliver melodical and harmonious messages that are aimed at healing people’s souls all around the world. The first member of the group exists in a spiritual form...whom is the Creator of all. The other four members take a physical form: Buhlebendalo Mda, Luphindo Ngxanga, Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba and Ntsika Fana Ngxanga.

THE BUTCHER BROTHERS

Directed by Sylvaine Strike

Cast: Jaques de Silva, Mongi Mthombeni

A Butcher's shop. A retired ballroom dancer and his loyal servant. A slumberous parcel awaits to be discovered...The Dark Laugh Theatre returns with a tale of twisted contradictions, meat and meetings, rump and rambunctious play, laughter and slaughter...

The Market Theatre

31 August – 12 September

For more information visit www.markettheatre.co.za

DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Please visit www.wits.ac.za/witstheatre for programme details and ticket prices. Bookings can be made online at www.strictlytickets.com or by calling 073 725 7381.

For more information please contact Cathy Pisanti on 011 717 1376 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Wits Theatre

Wits Theatre is a world-class South African performing arts and training facility. Comprising the Wits Main Theatre, Wits Downstairs Theatre, enclosed Wits Amphitheatre, Wits Great Hall and the Nunnery, more than 2000 cutting-edge South African and international theatre productions have been staged in our venues for over 25 years. Wits School of Arts productions presented in association with Wits Theatre, range from drama and classical music to dance, contemporary music and multimedia presentations. Wits Theatre also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year as well as work by visiting companies.

Light meals and a full cash bar can be enjoyed in Café Dulce, situated in the Wits Theatre Foyer. Free, covered parking in the adjacent Senate House (the entrance is on Jorissen Street) ensures peace of mind.