The 9th annual Tembisa Theatre Week will kick off on February 21, offering a platform to showcase South African theatre, dance, physical theatre and music.
This year’s event aims to celebrate emerging voices and undiscovered theatre works, providing training, education, and recognition for talented creatives from Tembisa and beyond.
The festival also acknowledges teachers, facilitators, and lecturers who have played a vital role in shaping young artists.
This year’s edition focuses on creating new pathways for the next generation of performers, with an emphasis on resilience and creativity in the post-pandemic era.
A highlight of the event will be the celebration of international percussionist Micca Manganye, a Tembisa native whose global success showcases the power of following one's dreams.
Manganye’s extraordinary talent has earned him international recognition, and his contributions to storytelling through music will be honoured at the festival.
The festival also celebrates the TX Theatre, Tembisa’s first established theatre, and the role it has played in fostering the arts in the township. The festival's success has expanded its reach to include primary and high schools, as well as universities, proving the importance of arts education at all levels.
Additionally, the community will pay tribute to the late Dada Masilo, a world-renowned dancer and choreographer from Soweto, who passed away recently.
Masilo’s legacy of giving young dancers opportunities to grow will be remembered on February 21, which would have been her 40th birthday, coinciding with the opening night of the festival.
The Tembisa Theatre Week will showcase new works from emerging directors and feature performances that celebrate dance, music, and theatre. The festival invites the community to join in preserving and honuoring the arts, while fostering a future of creative growth.