It is time, once again, for the spotlight to be cast down on Grahamstown as it hosts the 2009 National Arts Festival. What better way to usher it in than with traditional celebratory dance – a treat for international fest-goers – and a positive attitude from provincial and national political... [view entry]

WE are in final countdown for 10 Days of AMAZ!NG in Grahamstown. This year we launch cueCinema - a dedicated screening venue at Barratt3 which will screen material as it is produced daily- with some highlights of previous cueTV footage. As the Village Green is next door we expect to... [view entry]

The Grammy Award winning Soweto String Quartet performed at this year’s festival and also managed to sprinkle a little inspiration around in between shows. This group itself got a lot of guidance from the father of some of the members, Elliot Khemese who instilled a love for classical music in... [view entry]

Gone Dotty is a one woman production that brings the acid short stories of Dorothy Parker to the stage. Unfortunately it misses much of Parker’s cutting wit and sarcasm in the delivery, but the show survives as even Parker done without brilliance can make for good comedy. Hi res version... [view entry]

Na’rimba is the renowned marimba band from Chiapas in Mexico. They combine the traditional sounds of their cultural roots with contemporary styles such as classical and jazz. Marimba music has been an integral part of these musicians’ lives for as long as they can remember. Hi res version | lo... [view entry]

Udaba is a collaborative band which hybridises language, culture, and genre all for the common goal of furthering cultural unity within Africa. Their music has a strong political message, and aims to make listeners aware of social problems and possible solutions. The band is made up of artists who have... [view entry]

Ozymandias is a meeting between New Orleans and Grahamstown,a gathering of choreographers, dancers, musicians, visual and film artists to share arts and experiences. This piece takes an in depth look into this sensitive and exquisite work. Hi res version | lo res version [view entry]

Death, anger, hate, violence. Wesley Deintje’s dark and disturbing production, The Hamlet Machine, investigates murder, betrayal, rape and love. A holy space is violated by fine dust that settles on every surface. The chorus is covered with white powder which fills the intimate chapel in which the play takes place,... [view entry]

During the first showing of this dance piece rows and rows of high school students were whisked out of the venue by their teachers. That’s what happened when both the male and female dancer pulled off their tops . As you can imagine, this really disrupted the show. Have a... [view entry]

Boys from the Eluxolweni Shelter for Street Children formed part of the Cathedral Marimba ensemble at this year’s Spiritfest. Spiritfest is the celebration of the art’s in the context of faith. Our reporter was given a lesson in marimba playing. Hi res version | lo res version [view entry]