A challenge that was set to others has now been taken by the challenge-maker himself. There has been a male director, directing males, there has been a female director, directing four females, and now in 2019, one male director directs one female actor in ‘The Daddies of Sugar’ performed by Thuto Gaasenwe from 10 – 14 December 2019 at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre.

Mandisi Dyantyis is a South African trumpeter and vocalist who has recently released his debut album entitled Somandla, nominated for a SAMA for best Jazz Album of 2019. He was also recently nominated for the Mzantsi Jazz Awards and The African Music Awards (AFRIMA) in the ‘Best Jazz Artist’ category.

This month’s show will feature Wandile Anele Rusi, (known as WAR), an award winning Poet specializing in recording and performance poetry who is also a published Playwright and Theatre creative. War has recorded 2 studio albums, featuring poems on soulful beats and Afrocentric gems, some of them featuring vocalists, the albums are Words of WAR (2015) and Raw Material (2018).

In 2013 the Market Theatre Laboratory produced a work entitled ‘Milk and Honey’ as part of a reflection on the centenary since the passing of the 1913 Land Act. The ensemble work probed the expansive topic of land and identity. The work found expression in words, in song and in dance.

Poised to be a deep and sobering musical feast, the 2019 Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience will feature two internationally acclaimed artists: the poignant and smooth voice of US-based Rwandan artist Somi and the dynamic and resonant young voice of Daymé Arocena from Cuba. Together, these female musical firebrands will set fire in the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life.