ARTSABILITY FESTIVAL

The ArtsAbility Festival, presented annually by UNMUTE Dance Theatre in partnership with Artscape, is Africa’s premier inclusive arts festival celebrating International Day for persons living with disabilities
Thursday 30 November 2023 at 19h00 Book Now!
Liberation Machine – Unmute Dance Company’s Story
A film on the past 10 years or Unmute’s work. Written, directed and produced by Mariza Matshaya and presented by Seismic Media

Isikhalo Sendoda (The Cry of a Man) by Andile Vellem
A brand new solo work by Unmute’s Andile Vellem. The work was created after he lost his firstborn son in late 2022. The work is the beginning of his healing journey as an African Man.

Adulting by Philasande Majikela
A performance work on his perspective on adulting Adulting is the ice-breaker to a conversation about individuality in the adult world. Duration: 1h15 minutes (no interval).

Friday, 01 December 2023 at 19h00 Book Now!
SingaBantu “We Are People” by Thandiwe Mqokeli
Is a body of work about humanity, the relaxation of movement in the present through themes of emotions, feelings and the power of the mind.
Chosen by Lovatiana Rakatobe & Nacelle Larissa Somoh
The choreographic piece is inspired by a true story that happened in the south of Madagascar. A young girl from a remote village was offered as a sacrifice for the survival of the people to protect them from a flood. Duration: 1hr (no interval)

SATURDAY, 02 December 2023 at 14h00 Book Now!
UK Collaboration – Diversity in Dance Volume 2
A partnership between Artscape, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Festival Carnival and Edinburgh College in Scotland. This particular programme aims to expose all artists to different cultures through the performing arts and engagement, creating a standard of work that is recognized on a global stage while creating moving experiences for audiences to enjoy.

ArtsAbility Residency outcomes SA
The ArtsAbility residency programme is an annual residency hosted and led by UNMUTE Dance Theatre, a professional inclusive company pioneering inclusive dance in South Africa. This residency is aimed at bringing together artists, choreographers, directors of different artforms, communities and countries to explore work together. This residency is a platform to encourage more artists to work together and to work more inclusively, specifically with and without disabilities. Duration: 1h15 minutes

SATURDAY, 02 DECEMBER 2023 AT 19h00 Book Now!
Seize by Sasha Fourie (SA)
An experience of the extreme opposites when in the unconsciousness of a seizure. This is not a re-enactment – it is an exploration of a threshold. This work is an attempt at showing the opportunity given when seizing to observe the distant calm view of the edges of death. The space of limbo between consciousness and unconsciousness. The relationship with disability and its everchanging impact.

WoMxn in Me
Performed by Lethabo Shai and directed by Phuti Mojela (20 minutes) This dance piece explores the African idiom that says “it takes a village to raise a child” as it takes the audience on a journey with me looking back at specific moments and memories of different people and how they shaped me into the individual I am today. Duration: 1 hour (no interval)