Amazwi, museum of literature, is proud to be part of the National Arts Festival 2024.
We are at 25A Worcester Street, Makhanda.
Pop-up bookshop
Thursday 20 June to Friday 30 June
Pop-up bookshop at Amazwi in the foyer.
Pop-up storytelling
Thursday 20 June to Friday 30 June
Pop-up storytelling, two per day at Amazwi.
Sindiwe Magona’s exhibition
Thursday 20 June to Friday 30 June
Sindiwe Magona’s exhibition, The conscience for the nation, in the foyer and upper gallery at Amazwi.
Can Themba centenary lecture and more
Friday 21 June, 11:00
Can Themba centenary lecture, screening of documentary, and the launch of a short story competition, in the Olive Schreiner Hall at the 1820 Settlers National Monument, not at Amazwi.
The House of Truth
June 22, 2024 16:00–17:30
June 23, 2024 11:00–12:30
June 24, 2024 20:30–22:00
The House of Truth is a bio-play written by Siphiwo Mahala that explores the life and legacy of the renowned South African writer and intellectual, Can Themba.
The play delves into the “construction, destruction and reconstruction” of Themba's life and the “House of Truth”, a place where intellectuals and truth-seekers would gather in apartheid-era Sophiatown. It examines Themba's role as a leading figure in this intellectual hub and the impact it had on his personal and professional life.
Centenary Hall, a venue of the National Arts Festival, not at Amazwi
See also: The Suit
The suit is the last play that the great theatre guru Barney Simon directed.
Can Themba was an icon of South African literature and storytelling. Barney Simon too was a monumental figure in the Theatre of this land. The Suit, adapted from the work of Can Themba, and directed by Barney Simon, premiered 30 years ago and had Sello Maake kaNcube in the leading role – one which he reprises three decades later, at the 50th edition of South Africa’s National Arts Festival.
At the directing helm, are the Theatre Duo of Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and Billy Langa, and the production’s dramaturge for the new imagining is J Bobs Tshabalala together with Sello Maake KaNcube and Pearl Maake kaNcube
Authors: Can Themba, Mothobi Mutloatse and Barney Simon
Centenary Hall, a venue of the National Arts Festival, not at Amazwi.
June 20, 2024 20:00–21:15
June 21, 2024 16:00–17:00
June 22, 2024 20:30–21:45
Magona walkabout
22 June, 10:00
25 June, 10:00
26 June, as part of the Litfest (see below).
Walkthrough of Sindiwe Magona’s exhibition, The conscience for the nation, in the upper gallery.
Celebrating decades of isiXhosa
Monday 24 June, 11:00
Selected Titles:
- 100 Years of Umzali Wolahleko by GB Sinxo
- 110 Years of Ityala Lamawele by SEK Mqhayi
- 70 Years of Inzala kaMlungisi by WKTamsanqa
In the children’s section or the classroom at Amazwi.
Book launch: King Sabata Dalindyebo
Monday 24 June, 17:00
Book launch of King Sabata Dalindyebo and the rural Political Struggles in the 20th Century South Africa by by Jongikhaya Mvenene.
In the classroom at Amazwi.
Book Launch: Dark Matters
Tuesday 25 June, 17:00
Book Launch of Dark Matters by Colin T Johnson.
In the foyer or classroom at Amazwi.
Litfest and Magona Walkabout
Wednesday 26 June, 09:00
In the upper gallery at Amazwi.
Creative writing master class
Wednesday 26 June, 10:00
Creative writing master class by the SeSotho literary museum.
In the classroom at Amazwi.
Book launch: Izibongo Zoogxa
Wednesday 26 June, 17:00
Book launch of Izibongo Zoogxa: Poems on Contemporaries (1902–1944).
In the foyer and classroom at Amazwi.
Storytelling
Thursday 27 June, 10:00
Friday 28 June, 10:00
Storytelling with DSRAC Lib and Makana Libraries.
In the classroom at Amazwi.
Book launch: A brave woman & other essays
Thursday 27 June, 17:00
Book launch of A brave woman & other essays by Musoline Soga Mlandu.
In the classroom at Amazwi.
Book Launch of Once removed
Friday 28 Junie, 17:00
Book Launch of Once removed by David Mann.
In the classroom at Amazwi.