Arno Carstens, lead singer for the Springbok Nude Girls and solo artist, had the audience dancing in their seats when he performed the first gig of Wintour at the Monument this week as part of the National Arts Festival. cueTV gets his take on South African music and his new album. With Justin Archer, Martin Bleazard and Simone Redelinghuys.
Arno Carstens
Many of us are familiar with classic tales and movies from way back. They may become even more enjoyable when they are modified and updated. cueTV looks at Star Wors and Alice who? This ain't wonderland - prime examples of how directors can be creative in making old stories new and relevant to today's society. With Sungeni Chithambo
Comedy pushes boundaries like no other platform. Race is no exception. Comedian, Siv Ngesi, has based his show, Race Card, around this. From the other side of the race tracks, Boet 'n Swaer (Brian Mullins and Alan Weyer) are a comedic duo who have fun pushing the race boundaries. The question remains: who has more license when it comes to using race in comedy? Is race in comedy going to make a difference to South Africa's racial ills? cueTV explores these funny questions. With Candice Ford and Charmian Africa.
Old Classics Never Die - Alice Who? and Star Wors
Race in Comedy
Risk
Risk! takes a behind-the scenes look at a fictional controversial new game show in South Africa where contestants play Russian Roulette for R5 million. A scary look at reality television shows, at how far people are willing to go for the ultimate jackpot and how far is too far to bring the public entertainment. With Martin Bleazard.
Moffie
Politics and physical theatre collide in Bailey Snyman's controversial dance, Moffie. The written word meets dance as Snyman, Standard Bank Young Artist for dance 2012, translates Andre Carl van der Merwe's experiences as a homosexual man in the South African military. The acclaimed choreographer explores the different realities of homosexuality in the military and in contemporary life. With Tarryn Ross
Two Twists on the Three Pigs Tale
The Three Little Pigs came to Fest in two different productions. Eco-Wolf and the Three Pigs is a children's play creating awareness about the environment. The Three Little Pigs is not for the kids as it tells a dark, psychological story of police corruption. Thriller noir in contemporary South Africa has the pigs updated to headline news. Directed by Rob Murray and Tara Notcutt each play brings home the bacon. With Tarryn Ross.
Recycling for Profit
Looking for presents with a conscience? The National Arts Fest provides a variety of recycled, or upcycled products made from a range of materials. cueTV shows how one person's trash is another one's treasure.
Karoo 2025
Imagine the Karoo in forty years' time after fracking has been practised. Artist Katie Barnard du Toit and others imagine the potential future of the Karoo - a frightening, desolate place where homes are mere mirages of what they once were. A floating house made of felt and wool, multi-media and an oily foundation conveys the sense of loss that Du Toit fears will happen to her beloved Karoo. With Thomas Mills
A Midsummer Night's Dream
It is amazing how Shakespeare continues to be pertinent in this day and age. Fred Abrahamse's enchanting performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream shows how Shakespeare is still enjoyed today. Despite the language that is difficult to grasp for some, audiences were still rolling with laughter at the characters of this marvelous play. Creative costumes, wonderful set design and an African twist all highlight the value that Shakespeare brings to the world of theatre. With Sungeni Chithambo.
Little Foot
A powerful new South African play by Craig Higginson is situated on a farm in the Cradle of Humankind where much of the world's pre-human remains have been found. The play travels back into the caves where Little Foot -- the three-million-year-old hominine was discovered. The audience experiences the caves through the eyes of a group on South African university students who are having a reunion on New Year's Eve. As they go deeper into the caves they are confronted by an emergence of their ancient history. This Market Theatre Production was commissioned and performed in London's National Theatre in a shorter version. Neil Coppen designs a memorable set and Malcolm Purkey directs a well told but rather trivial tale. With Bongiwe Tutu.
AMAZ!NG Festival Parade
The National Arts Festival ended with a big burst of colour and sound as a throng of local performers hit the streets of Grahamstown for the last day parade. From bands, choirs, brass and batteria to stilts, apocolyse survivors, cuddly animals and Nounouche's Side Show, the parade had the local community involved with other festival acts, even international performers like The China Fujian Art Troupe. This is the biggest and best the parade at the National Arts Festival has ever been and there are plans to expand it next year. cueTV got the street action and spoke to the co-ordinator Gareth Walwyn. With Thomas Mills
Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2012 - CueTV