As part of the 29th edition of the annual Arts Alive International Festival, Alex Arts Academy presented Alex Poetry Festival recently at the Alex Arts Academy.
As hosts of the festival, the Alex Arts Academy serves the community as the epicentre for creativity. Its founder and director, Mpho Molepo, was born and bred in Alexandra. He is also popularly known for his role on the TV series ‘Generations: The Legacy’ as Uncle Kabisi.
This year’s Alex Poetry Festival took place under the theme “Poets reflecting on the past and present”. The festival brought together young and old poets from all the regions across Gauteng. It tackled present issues in society, reflecting on the past and giving directions for the future in the face of Covid-19 and the uncertainty it holds.
The workshops and panel discussions were led by leading poets such as Napo Masheane, who facilitated a poetry writing session, Alexandra-based poet Refilwe Pieterse and many others.
“The festival was a platform for young creatives to reflect on the present using poetry. The young creatives were supported by the old to create a platform of interaction and to share information in each discipline,” said Molepo.
Poetry is an artistic creation that forges strong links between humans that transcend beyond languages, beliefs, and cultures.
“In the past, poets rose against apartheid and spread the message all over the world about the injustices that were happening in our country. Today, we want poets to use this festival to raise their voices, ask questions and call society to reflect and find creative ways to develop our communities.”
Archie Matsetela, the festival coordinator, said: “It has been a great journey so far. We are propelled forward in the work that we do by passion for the arts and the love we have for the community.”
He said it has been a while since performing artists had a live performance, because of adjusted Covid-19 regulations.
“Now that we are in adjusted alert level two, we were happy to host and hear the voice of poets who shared their artistic skills that brings hope and comfort to the community of Alex and beyond.”
Written by Muhammed Essop
27/09/2021