The annual National Arts Festival, which takes place in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape was in full flow during most of the World Cup. I sacrificed watching a number of World Cup games live, as I was working for Cue Radio, a Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies project, where we were covering events happening at the festival, and produced two daily shows in English and isiXhosa, which were aired on Radio Grahamstown for the duration of the festival.
I have been with Cue Radio for the past two years, where we have also covered SciFest Africa, but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the team during this year's festival. The thrill of gathering certain kinds of stories and producing for live radio was a new experience for me, which I will treasure.
The picture above is of me doing what I do best! Below are the packages I produced during the National Arts Festival.
INNOVATION HUB
The Innovation Hub is a project which has been launched at this year’s National Arts Festival. An effort to spread wealth created by the festival, it sees four budding entrepreneurs from Grahamstown being afforded the opportunity of conducting small businesses during Arts Festival. Litha Mpondwana reports.
THE POLITICS OF FIFA
As the world enjoys the Soccer World Cup, the truths about FIFA were discussed at the National Arts Festival. The Thinkfest programme saw a team of researchers discuss the immense power FIFA has over countries hosting soccer World Cups, and the benefits they enjoy which may harm the progress of the host country. Litha Mpondwana compiled this report.
EASTERN CAPE CULTURAL ENSEMBLE
A feast of local culture was shown at the Eastern Cape Cultural Ensemble’s performance at the Guy Butler Theatre. Featuring dance and song from the different indigenous cultures of the Eastern Cape, the ensemble was well received by the audience. Litha Mpondwana compiled this report.
INXEBA LOMPHILISI
The National Arts Festival is known for showing unique theatre shows. The play, “Inxeba Lomphilisi – The wound of the healer” is no different. It breaks new ground in isiXhosa theatre, and is sure to become a favourite during the festival. Litha Mpondwana compiled this report.
