It’s here! 4th Annual Umtiza Arts Festival gets underway Friday, 31 May
Updated: Jun 12, 2019
From 31 May to 2 June 2019, East London will be spoilt for choice as the 4th Umtiza Arts Fest gets underway.
With over 25 shows, talks, exhibitions and events on the programme, this unique local festival is a joint collaboration between the Guild Theatre, the Ann Bryant Art Gallery and the East London Museum. [Download the full festival programme HERE.]
The festival provides a popular platform for local entertainers, musicians, singers and artists to showcase the local talent which abounds in East London. Also on the programme are showstoppers such as the Soweto String Quartet, a performance by up-and-coming South African comedian Alfred Adriaan and drama/comedy The Doctor in Spite of Himself by Moliere featuring local artists.
A rich selection of Children’s Theatre, with many of the performances written and directed by local Guild Theatre director, Amanda Bothma, make the festival fun for the whole family.
The exquisite Keiskamma tapestries, including the African Guernica Tapestries will be on display. Local artists will have the opportunity to exhibit in the popular “Anything but Painting” exhibition while “Unwritten Thoughts” provides an interesting exhibit with a selection of Poetry documenting iconic historical events in South Africa.
Sommelier Charles Poole will be presenting a number of superior wine tastings and there will be refreshments and snacks available at the venue. An outdoor open stage to the side of the Guild Theatre will add to the festive atmosphere, displaying local musical acts, dance, drama, drag shows etc.
Interesting topics for talks include Prof Dinesh Vallabh on Memories of North End; Kevin Cole on Stories in the Stars and John Costello on a Place called Port St Johns.
The festival is named Umtiza after a genus of one species in the legume family, only found in a small area of the Eastern Cape; a spiny tree with prominent glossy, dark green foliage.
For more information contact::
Zane Flanagan (Guild Theatre) – 0437430704 / 0817463387 – elguild@mweb.co.za
Zuki Tyida (Guild Theatre) – 0437430704 / 0814706151– smurfzt@gmail.com