Yes, even in these lands native to their forebears, where the settler colonists and their errand runners imagine that a dubious peace can hold in the midst of unending Black misery, these eloquent and unflinching voices find their purpose and beauty through clear visions that scythe through carefully curated webs of lies.

The campaign supports talent by providing funding, production and mentorship for creative individuals or collectives to make their ideas come to life. From 20 July until 13 August, Johannesburg based creatives can apply for a one-week residency this autumn.

Speaking on the intended impact of the festival, STAND Foundation board member, Lesego van Niekerk shared; “The youth of 1976 rose up to claim their voices and their future. This weekend festival provides a platform for today's youth to share their insights, their fears and hopes using comedy and satire as their cultural weapons. We live in challenging times - comedy and humour help us to get through these times.”

Wom{b}_anifesto forms part of a research project aimed at documenting the journey of creative women in South Africa. The output will be a non-fiction book featuring interviews and stories, their challenges and what the future holds. Content curator Vuyolwethu Reoagile (Graphoflux) will write, curate the content, and produce the anthology. Ilze Wessels (OTYNet) will curate the physical and virtual exhibition.

Do you recall the very first play you attended at a theatre? How the memory was etched by the entire experience, from your cohort, to the performances, to the splendor of costume and lights, to the audience’s laughs, sighs, and gasps of amazement before your eyes? Have you had the pleasure of reading the text post seeing it come to life?