The National Arts Festival 2015 showcased a range of local productions from Port Elizabeth. Together, the Mandela Bay Development Agency and the Athenaeum presented nine of these productions to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay. The exhibition aimed to showcase artworks of up and coming young artists in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Here are just a few of the shows presented.
Ghost of Glenmore
A look into the life of Ben Mafani, who to this day continues to fight against land re-locations and lack of infrastructure in his area of Glenmore. Written and directed by Xabiso Zweni, the show depicts the continuing divisions in South Africa.
Love Child
Lovechild is a performer from Port Elizabeth who began her singing career in 2012 and first performed at the National Arts Festival in 2015. Her music consists of a blend of saxophone and keyboard.
Frame of Mind
Performed by Brendon Peel the show is filled with mentalism and psychological tricks. Peel prides himself as a “magician, mentalist and performer” and at the age of 18, earned the title of the youngest magician to host his/her own solo illusion show at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
Magic Through The Ages
Brendan Peel's second show although also magic, is not strictly mentalism. Rather, it is an in-depth look at the history of magic and illusion with examples of various prominent tricks and illusions that have been performed throughout the past 4000 years.