A highlight on South Africa’s cultural calendar, the National Arts Festival has been an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival, taking place in its Eastern Cape hometown of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), South Africa, since its inception in 1974.
The NAF was a critical space for protest during apartheid; has hosted numerous groundbreaking artists; survived the pandemic by going digital; and back to live again, and is evolving and shaping the arts for half a century. The National Arts Festival is defined by the idea that the arts help us understand our world, connect within it, find meaning and drive transformation.
The Festival will take place from 26 June to 6 July 2025.
THREE PRODUCTIONS TO WATCH FEATURING OUR ACTORS :
PILLAYBOY - Jaryd Pillay
An all new stand-up comedy hour serving from award winning comedian and (un-awarded) pretty boy, Jaryd Pillay. A Pillayer's gotta Pillay! Get Reddy to put yourself in the right Moodley and witness an hour of punch for punch hilarity from Cape Town's spiciest comic as he navigates tales of love, and the South African Indian identity and what it truly means to be a real Pillayboy!
GROMMELS - Robert Hindley
Grommels is an award-winning children’s show that features Angelique Filter and Robert Hindley as the friendly, quirky, odd characters known as Blougrommel and Geelgrommel.
Without saying a word, these two clowns take the audience on an adventure of wonder, magic, and remembering. What happens when you’re the only two colours in a grey world? What do you do when the walls around you start to turn? Can friends find each other again, in a moment of magic?
Join the Grommels on a playful, educational journey of discovery where beauty and joy is found in quiet simplicity, where nature’s hopeful colours can grow again…if you just open your eyes.
Can’t wait to introduce your little ones to the Grommels? Visit the Grommels Instagram or Facebook page to learn more! Grommels is a Vrystaat Kunstefees production.
I DON'T BELIEVE IN DINOSAURS - Erin Gemmell
A brand-new South African children's play packed with puppets, dancing, music, heartwarming moments, and maybe a meaningful message or two - perfect for kids aged 3 - 10 (and their grown-ups)!
Geo, Luna, and their cat do everything together ... but now their cat is getting old, and they know they have to find a way to help her!
Many years ago, Luna’s grandfather told them about a mysterious wish-granting dinosaur and, ever since, they’ve made maps, built inventions, and searched every cave they can find ... but now it’s time to do more. They believe that the dinosaur can cure their cat, so they pack their bags and set off on their quest. Along the way, we meet a unique cast of creatures - a wise frog, a friendly shark, some snarky birds, and a very sad cloud - who help Geo and Luna face the unpredictable ups and downs of friendship and teamwork. Through playful storytelling, they learn that it’s okay to feel sad and ask for help.
The story gently explores themes of grief, letting go, and the importance of embracing life’s challenges (in a fun and magical way).
From the creator of How to Hold the World and other award-winning artists, this joyful Family Fare production is full of imagination, big stories for little humans, and just the right amount of mess and immersiveness!
To view the full programme and book your tickets click on the link below :
https://tickets.nationalartsfestival.co.za/en
