Media release: 12 August 2009
Words propel plenty of Arts Alive's
most extraordinary events!
Words propel much of the 2009 Arts Alive International Festival's extraordinary events!
The poetry and literature elements of this year's event prove - sometimes quietly, sometimes forcefully - that there's a vibrant and diverse word-driven culture thriving in the heart of Johannesburg.
One of the main attractions in 2009 is Poetry Slam, which is part of the African Connections programme running as part of Arts Alive.
Taking place at the Alliance Francaise and the Soweto Library from 21st to 30th September this sees poets and story-tellers from South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, USA and other African countries, in association with Poetry Africa Festival Dur an, inaugurate South Africa's first Poetry Slam. Started in Paris among young French poets, Poetry Slam has become an international movement and has spread to at least 50 countries, including now Johannesburg.
A popular feature of Arts Alive is always the 'Speak The Mind' sessions, which combine spoken word, beat poetry and organic music.
Workshops at the Kopano Centre in Alex on September 10th add to this year's 'Speak The Mind' event which culminates in two shows on September 11th and 12th at Bassline. These feature a lineup that includes wordsmiths Burni Aman (of Godessa), Ingrid de Kok, Likwid Tongue collective, Melisizwe Lugulwana and Nomsa Mazwai with music by Neo Muyanga & Madosini; Madala Kunene & Syd Kitchen as well as DJ Kenzhero. Contributions will also come from international artists Ishion Hutchinson (Jamaica), Black Ice aka Lamar Manson (USA) and Nancy Mukondyo (Zimbabwe).
Other hot events include !BUSHWOMEN - Who am Ip featuring Tyla Jade Tereska Muishond and Laverne Da Silva.
ARTS ALIVE considers it a literary coup to have secured Storytelling extraordinaire - Gcina Mhlope, who will bring her fervor and passion to audiences during the final weekend of ARTS ALIVE at the Joburg Theatre. Her season follows a month long story telling and poetry workshop aptly titled WORDS UNFOLDED - an exciting initiative spearheaded by the space.com at the Joburg theater and supported by ARTS ALIVE.
Indian 'Shared Histories' presents " Words on Water" at WITS UNIVERSITY from the 11 - 13 Sept - which sees contemporary Indian literary leaders in conversation with their counterparts in South Africa.
For more information on the 2009 Arts Alive International Festival's poetry and literature programme go to www.artsalive.co.za
Note to editor:
The 2009 Arts Alive International Festival is a project of the City of Joburg's Arts, Culture and Heritage department and is being staged by Zanusi Brand Solutions. Festival partners are the SABC, the National Arts Council, Wits University (Department of Humanities), Royal Thai Embassy, Austrian Embassy, Indian Embassy, Alliance Francaise, Soweto Festival, Johannesburg Festival of Shopping.
