Jabu Nadia Newman is a filmmaker and photographer. Her latest project, The Foxy Five has taken South Africa by storm. The Foxy Five tells the story of a group of womxn in Cape Town as they navigate their multi-faceted lives all while figuring out their own definition of feminism while fighting against the patriarchy. Jabu’s work is uniquely unapologetic and current, giving a voice to her generation and their complexities.
Zolani Mahola needs no introduction. Most may know her as the lead vocalist of Freshlyground, a band whose sound, along with Zolani’s voice, has become synonymous with South Africa, going so far as to inspire an entire nation, and the world, during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Over the years Zolani has received many accolades and traveled the globe but what might surprise you is how down-to-earth, generous and humble-spirited she is. Sarafina Magazine is proud to feature Zolani as our first Music Artist.
Lady Skollie, born Laura Windvogel, is the real deal. An intensely feminist artist, her work explores and confronts issues such as gender, sex, consent and human engagement, to name a few. She has been described as a socially conscious artist, putting each piece of her work out into the world with intent and careful consideration. She boldly and unapologetically uses the platform she has created to defy taboos whether it be on her podcast Kiss and Tell, through her work and even through her social media.
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I first encountered the work of Ipeleng Merafe during this year’s Cape Town Fringe Festival where she was performing in #BalletMustFall, a satirical look into the world of ballet. A self-proclaimed modern-day gypsy, Ipeleng constantly finds herself on the move all in pursuit of her passion for dance. From South Africa to Paris to New York and more, Ipeleng is a supernova in the dance world who shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Megan Furniss is a writer, director, improviser, teacher, playwright and performer. This year Megan not only performed during the Cape Town Fringe Festival in The Finkelsteins are Coming to Dinner, but she also directed Niqabi Ninja. Written by Sara Shaarawi, Niqabi Ninja tells the story of one woman’s experience with sexual harassment in Cairo and her plans to fight back. It is an extremely empowering and important piece of theatre that Megan bravely and unapologetically brought to life. We sat down with Megan at the Alexander Bar to chat about her journey as a self-proclaimed theatre-practitioner.
Wynne Bredenkamp is a multi-hyphenate artist and the latest recipient of the Theatre Arts Admin Collective Emerging Theatre Directors Bursary. Her 2014 award-winning play, Salt received critical acclaim and captured the attention of audiences across South Africa. Her latest work At The Edge of the Light begins performances on November 6th.
Actress Genna Galloway is currently performing in this season’s most anticipated musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Gate69. Born into a family of performers, one could say that Genna had extremely big (tap) shoes to fill. With her determined attitude and the combined inherited talent of both of her parents, Genna has been able to work her way through the Musical Theater ranks from swing to leading lady and is now starring as Yitzhak, a man and former drag queen in the first South African production of Hedwig.
Look out Cape Town because there is a new Kramer about to grab your attention. For years the Kramer family has contributed to the arts and cultural landscape of South African Theatre and now it’s Jesse’s turn. Jesse has fast become one of Cape Town’s go to photographers for theatre. Her extraordinary work attempts, and succeeds, to do the impossible and capture those magical theatrical moments that are the reason that we as humans flock to the theatre.
Last year Lara Lipschitz caught everyone’s attention starring as Daphna in The Fugard Theatre’s smash-hit production of Bad Jews which is making its way back to Cape Town in December for a limited run. Lara is an actress, dancer, singer, writer and producer of the web-series Chin Up, which she also stars in. Chin Up is a comedic take on her experience as an actress in the ‘professional’ world. Season 2 of Chin Up debuts this month and we were delighted to meet with Lara and chat about her career. Continue reading
Sarafina Magazine was created with the intention of celebrating all South African women in the arts. For the last few weeks all of our interviews have been with theatre makers. Today we introduce you to Ilené Bothma, a Fine artist whose exhibit, Veiled Threats, caught my eye while visiting 99 Loop Street gallery during First Thursdays. Continue reading
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