South Africa is commemorating the historic 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March. In response, Artscape is calling on the nation to move beyond simple remembrance and take meaningful action.
ALSO SEE: Behind the scenes at La Motte Bakery: How its famous croissants are made
The Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival returns this August for its milestone 20th anniversary. This year, the festival features a month-long programme of theatre, dance, music, film, exhibitions, and public dialogues. The festival will run under the main theme ‘A Place For All,’ with the sub-theme ‘Women in Action | Vroue in Aksie | Abafazi Kwintshukumo.’
Significantly, the festival coincides with the Artscape Theatre Centre’s 55th anniversary. Together, these milestones offer a powerful moment to reflect on South Africa’s progress. Furthermore, the event highlights the work still required to address gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, and women’s leadership.
From remembrance to responsibility
Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape, emphasizes that the festival aims to transform memory into active responsibility.
‘Gender-based violence continues to devastate our communities, while persons with disabilities remain marginalised,’ says Le Roux. ‘Additionally, the LGBTQIA+ community faces ongoing threats, and women’s leadership is still the exception rather than the norm. These are not abstract concerns. Instead, they are the daily realities of people we know who deserve better.’
Supplied
Women’s march: Moving beyond entertainment:
According to Le Roux, the arts offer a vital language to tell stories honestly. She believes theatre and performance hold up a mirror to society and spark conversations that lead to real change. Therefore, Artscape acts as a platform for voices that society has previously silenced. Ultimately, the festival focuses on learning, reflecting, and building an inclusive environment rather than just providing entertainment.
To honour this mission, a commemorative march will take place on 9 August. Participants will march from the Cape Town Civic Centre to the Artscape Theatre Centre. The walk serves as a tribute to Sophia Theresa Williams-De Bruyn, the last surviving leader of the historic 1956 Women’s March. Crucially, persons with disabilities will lead the procession, joined by gender activists, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and citizens from all walks of life.
2026 Festival highlights
The diverse line-up offers something for every audience, featuring award-winning productions, educational workshops, and intergenerational dialogues. Key highlights include:
- Bottelnek Breek Bek: A book launch for the new novel by award-winning author Dianne Du Toit Albertze. Dianne and Riaan Visman will perform extracts under the direction of Basil Appollis.
- Kom Fietna Saam: A lively theatre production celebrating community, resilience, and the rich spirit of Afrikaans storytelling. The cast features Gaireyah Fredericks, Celeste Matthews Wannenburgh, and award-winning actor-director Lee-Ann van Rooi.
- Bones:A compelling documentary exploring the repatriation of Sara ‘Saartjie’ Baartman’s remains. Inspired by a poem by the late Diana Ferrus, the film details the fight to return Baartman to South Africa for her final burial in 2002.
Supplied
Booking information
The full festival programme is available at www.artscape.co.za. Audiences can purchase tickets directly via Webtickets.
ALSO SEE:
Souvenirs worth bringing home from your travels (Ditch the fridge magnets)
Featured image: Supplied
