Soweto Theatre was filled with nothing but exciting energy and the spirit of social cohesion as the Herstory International Theatre Festival reached its finale, which brought about plenty of experiences to marvel at over the past seven days. The festival featured dialogues, drama, poetry, comedy, music, dance, and masterclasses.
It brought together worldwide theatre-makers and performers from places as far afield as the US, UK, Brazil, Senegal, Sweden, and Jamaica, to mention a few.
The festival began on 1 August 2022, coinciding with National Women’s Month, and was curated by the multi-award-winning director, playwright, poet and performer Napo Masheane in conjunction with the City of Johannesburg.
The Herstory International Theatre Festival was a one-of-a-kind festival that aspired to raise the profile of female creatives.
“We are delighted to have had so many great women grace our stage, and we are humbled by their perseverance in producing quality theatre especially in these trying times,” said Masheane.
“We wanted the festival to be a very open, inclusive environment where women could utilise their voices and be heard. We need to hear each other’s stories because women are often told to remain quiet for so much of their lives,” she continued.
The line-up comprised DJ Tinaz, Nomsa Buthelezi-Shezi, Abafazi Be Ngoma, Osunfemi Wambi Njeri, Wanda Baloyi, Zoe Modiga, Maya Cunningham, Fat Black Women Sing (BAND), and Kgomotso ‘KG’ Moeketsi.
Thato Masilo, one of the festival’s attendees, had this to say: “As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe more events like the Herstory International Theatre Festival, which was mostly created by women, are needed. The festival sought to create a safe haven for women to present their works for women with women, those who identify as women, and those who come from and are within the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
08/08/2022