Lots of laughter in store at Arts Alive

John Vlismas is one of the comedians scheduled to perform on Friday at Bassline in Newtown

By Palesa Kobedi
The Arts Alive festival, which celebrates all spheres of art from poetry, theatre, dance and music, will see the opening of the Arts Alive International Student Expo and Film festival at Museum Africa in Newtown tonight.

On Friday, the festival changes gear and the saying that laughter is the best medicine seems to be theme. Critically acclaimed comedians such as John Vlismas and others are scheduled to take to the stage at Bassline.

Those who are looking for a play that combines comedy and drama then heading down to the Market Theatre in Newtown to watch a show titled Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, a humorous portrayal of love in a marriage, would be a good idea.

African Artworks on display
Art enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy the 'Africa Remix exhibition' - which is currently running at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. The exhibition, which opened in June, showcases contemporary art that includes 85 artists from 25 African countries and the Diaspora. The gallery is also hosting the 'Sasol Wax Arts Award and exhibition'.

There is also a 'Jive Soweto exhibition' - which is currently running at the Hector Pieterson Memorial museum in Soweto. The exhibition is a visual arts tribute to music legend Sipho Hotstix Mabuse by talented artists such as Churchil Madikida, Senzeni Marasela, Hannelie Coetzee, Peer Toias, Kenneth Nkosi and others.

Dance shows for all
On the dancing side of the festival, the Zindala Zombili African Music and dance festival is currently on at the festival. The power of three Ballet Theatre Afrikan is scheduled to showcase The Jukebox Gentlemen by Andre Schermoly, Moving into Dance Mothotong will perform Flesh by Gregory Maqoma and the South African Ballet Theatre will dance Neon Flight by Gregory Maqoma at various venues in Johannesburg later this month.

And of-course not forgetting the music, there will be a concert taking place on September 28 and 29 at various venues within Newtown where South African artists will share the stage with international artists. Musicians scheduled to perform include Kwani Experience, Vusi Mahlasela, Friedman Tambour and Vikku Vinayakram.

The festival kicked off on September 1 and ends on September 30.