The first homegrown arts festival is a collaboration between East London’s three cultural giants – the Guild Theatre, the East London Museum and the Ann Bryant Art Gallery.
Situated in Selborne within walking distance of each other, the three historical institutions, which represent the artistic and historical heart of the city, have entered into an exciting collaboration which they hope will be supported by the public.
Durban-based lighting designer Michael Taylor-Broderick said he was bringing his show One Man One Light to the Guild straight from the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown because he had a very special relationship with the theatre. “The Guild is probably my most favourite theatre to work with – it is like a second home,” said Taylor-Broderick, who has lit pantomimes and Centrestage extravaganzas at the Guild for the past six years.
One Man One Light is a playful 15-minute mime show which explores the relationship between a single light and a solitary actor and audiences have two opportunities to see it – one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Performed by Pietermaritzburg actor Mpilo Straw Nzimande, the production was developed for a lighting trade show in Frankfurt, but translates well to mainstream theatre audiences.
“We had such great feedback in Grahamstown, especially from children,” said Taylor-Broderick, who will engage with the audience in a question and answer session after the quirky show.
“I think the new Arts Festival is a fantastic idea.
”It’s a great way to create a hype around performance and grow culture in the city.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za