The National Arts Festival 2015 showcased a range of local productions and the Mandela Bay Development Agency, in association with the Athenaeum proudly brings nine of these fantastic productions back home to entertain the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay.

For an opportunity to experience the best local productions over a 9 day period, see the schedule of performances listed below:

Friday 14 August - Lefa Mosea & The Double Standards Quintet from 6 - 7:30 PM

Tuesday 18 August - "Give us this day" from 6-7PM

Wednesday 19 August - "Ghost of Glenmore" from 6-7PM

Thursday 20 August - "Lovechild Live" from 6-7PM

Friday 21 August - "Frame of Mind" from 6-7PM

Saturday 22 August - "UMLE" from 3-4PM

Saturday 22 August - "Nomhle Nongogo & Band" from 6-7Pm

Saturday 22 August - "The Brothers" from 8:30 - 9:30PM

Sunday 23 August - "Magic through the Ages" from 1-2PM

The exhibition is aimed at showcasing artworks of up and coming young artists in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. On the 11^th of October and 3^rd of December 2014, we successfully hosted previous exhibitions  at the Alliance Française and at Athenaeum in Port Elizabeth, titled Free Form Artists vol.1 and Free Form Artists vol.2: Me, Myself and I. This exhibition is a follow up, building on the momentum from the previous exhibitions and the exposure they has accumulated.

The collective will be made up of three artists, who are Thembalethu Manqunyana, Mandy Ndesi and Luthando Faku and  they will be showcasing their latest work.

The exhibition with Art performance will open on Friday 7th of August at 17h30 at Athenaeum's Studio 5, and runs until 31st of August.

The Athenaeum is hosting an exhibition titled “21 Years of Democracy in the 21^st Century”

The word democracy comes from two Greek words: demos which means “people” and kratos which means “power.” In other words, at its roots, democracy is about people’s power. During the struggle against apartheid, “Amandla awethu” (power to the people) was the rallying cry that resounded at meetings and marches. In essence, this was a call for democracy, for the people to govern.

As much as South Africa’s successful struggle for freedom and democracy is one of the most dramatic stories of our time. This exhibition is to encourage artists to take the stand and actually exercise their power and express their views on What does the 21 years democracy mean to each individual?

Artists are invited to submit up to 3 works on what the 21 years of Democracy means to them through any medium or material. This will be an open exhibition as the Athenaeum would like to allow everyone Freedom of entry and expression without being selected upon.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. South African Residents Artists of all ages working in any medium may enter this exhibition.

2. Artists/collectives are allowed to submit a maximum of 3 artworks. A R20 hanging fee per artwork will be charged.

3. A single work with all its components may not exceed 1.8m by 1.8m and the total weight of the work must not exceed 10 kg.

4. Artworks of all media will be accepted and must be submitted “ready to hang” or display in the case of multi-media submissions.

5. The work must have not been exhibited before and not older than 1 year.

6. All works must be for sale, unless otherwise agreed. A 30% commission will be deducted from the selling price of the works.

7. If the work requires assembly or maintenance, clear instructions must be provided and if it is fragile it must be indicated so.

8. Submissions must be accompanied by a fully completed entry form.

9. Works must be delivered to the Athenaeum Building, 7 Belmont Terrace, Central, Port Elizabeth Tuesday 21 until Friday 25 September 2015 at 4PM.

10. The exhibition will open Tuesday 29 September at 17:30 for 18:00, unsold works must be collected by Friday 30 October 2015. Works not collected will be disposed of at the discretion of the organisers.

11. Organisers and appointed administrators will not be held liable for any work damaged, howsoever caused.

12. Organisers and appointed administrators have the right to reject works that does not meet above criteria.

A visual feast with a powerful educational element

Warrior on Wheels is a fantastical tale of Liqhawe, a young boy destined to go on a great journey. Told through the use of puppetry, physical animation and vibrant storytelling. Inspired by the book of the same title written by Deirdé Gower, the mother of a disabled child; this show speaks to the strength a child discovers when overcoming their fears. Through the use of puppetry, the story resonates deeply with both parents and children alike, as they project themselves onto stage. “The puppetry is inclusive,” says Penny Youngleson, who originally helped adapt this book for the stage, “it’s amazing to watch… the relationship between the mother and the puppet….adults really respond well to that.”

"Warrior on Wheels" is a multi-lingual, performance created for children aged 7 – 12, which can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is produced by the Chaeli Campaign and is touring the Eastern Cape in July partnership with Assitej SA.

Athenaeum Little Theatre: 24th & 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th 30th and 31st July at 10h00 and again on the 29th, 30th, and 31st at 12h30.

R20 gets you in for the show and the post-show workshop after, If you'd like to know anything else about the performance, please contact Danieyella Rodin on dani@chaelicampaign.co.za

Wheelchairs are tricky things. Clumsy things. And funny things. So are lives. This is a story of two sisters as they battle to work past their limitations to create the future the rest of the world sometimes fails to see.

In the Wings is a play about purpose; about living and negotiating the everyday stuff; it’s about dreams and obstacles that get in the way of the realisation of those dreams. “In the Wings” is ultimately a story about possibility.

In The Wings is an “important production…that deliberately avoids cliché” says Steyn Du Toit from The Cape Times.

This show was nominated for two Naledi awards, one for best new comer, Danieyella Rodin and a second for best choreography by Nicola Elliott. Written by Jared Kruger, this show is inspired and loosely based on the Mycroft sisters, co-founders of The Chaeli Campaign. It is produced by the Chaeli Campaign and is touring the Eastern Cape in July partnership with Assitej SA.

"In The Wings" is an English medium performance aimed at High Schools and adult audiences.

On show at the Athenaeum Little Theatre on the 24th, 27th and 28th at 14h00, 24th and 25th at 19h00

R20 gets you in and If you'd like to know anything else about the performance, please contact Danieyella Rodin on dani@chaelicampaign.co.za

Speelheater Holland Studio recreates the legendary story of Nonqawuse, the young girl who prophesied that the Xhosa would be rid of their enemies if they killed their cattle and burned their grain. A migratory stork is one of the narrators in this vibrant revisiting of the story to determine if she really was the cause of the disaster that ensued. Audiences will be fascinated to discover if a bird with homes in both hemisphere is able to offer insight.

The production features powerful performances from highly experienced and skilled performers and puppeteers: Macebo Mavuso, Thami Mbongo and Roshina Ratnam.

They are supported by an exciting ensemble of young and talented perfomers, including Sisipho Mbopa, Sabelo Khosa, Xolela Tsili, Nancy Masaba and Sheralynn Addriaansz

Dates: 14-18 July at 19h00 and Matinees on the 14th of July at 11h00 and 17 July at 15h00

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (no interval)

Recommended Age: 10 Years +

TICKETS:

Adults: R80, Students, Scholars and Pensioners: R50

Group Bookings for 10 or more: R50

Supported by our Committee of Recommendation:

Desmond Tutu and Elinor Sisulu (South Africa)

Andre Kuipers (Nederland) and a few number of sponsors

Ikamva Lam (My future) young artists group exhibition

Masifunde Learner Development shows opens on:

Monday 22 June at 5PM and runs until 3rd July at 4PM

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“Veil has a powerful story line and is filled with insightful comment on South Africa’s attitude to African immigrants who flee their war torn countries to pursue a better life here. The main character, Ali is such a man. Losing his mother and brother at the hands of his ruthless rebel father, he has created a life for himself in South Africa by running a small tuck shop. He meets the beautiful young school girl Nosipho and it is not surprising that love should flourish between them."

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Come and witness as the Miss PE 2015 is crowned at the Athenaeum Little Theatre, Saturday 2nd May 2015 from 6PM.

The Miss Port Elizabeth philanthropic pageant is a search for a beautiful, zestful and confident, young lady to represent the Nelson Mandela Bay. This dynamic young lady will be expected to support the project of RoleModels Foundation, aimed at empowering and creating self-sustainability for individuals in impoverished communities.

They represent more than of half humanity, but more women are still today excluded form their country's economic, political and social life. They are more vulnerable to poverty, lack of education and wars. This statement must not be omitted or overlooked. The photographer wanted to depart from the stereotypical representation which places "the" woman as victimized to recognize the fighting visible or invisible, led by some. Witnessing women's commitment is, if we are willing to consider them, a stark reminder that societies are mixed and their history is equal as feminine as it is masculine. there is recognition of the struggle, contribution but also the sacrifice of these strangers, for survival, dignity, democracy, equality and justice.