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Celebrate South Africa

London explodes with a fusion of South African Talent

Six weeks of festivities from April 17th to May 31st will bring the best of South African singers, dancers, musicians, actors, artists, filmmakers and craftspeople into the heart of the capital as Londoners are invited to share the vitality and dynamism of a new nation in the making.

South Africa has emerged on the world stage as a unique society in the process of transformation. Yet still it remains a mystery to many people who live outside of the country. Today’s South Africa is so much more: a many faceted, multi lingual, multi cultural society producing some of the most stimulating and interesting ideas in the political, social, cultural and technical arena. And what better place to celebrate South Africa than in London which, along with the rest of the UK, boasted the strongest force against apartheid in Western Europe and demonstrated unstinting support during South Africa’s long journey to democracy.

"We have achieved a great deal since we won our freedom, but we still face many challenges in our quest to deliver a better future for South Africans. Through Celebrate South Africa we hope to share our dreams and aspirations with our friends in the UK, and trust that they will continue to support us on our journey. We also hope that they will be inspired to visit South Africa, so that we can extend the warm hospitality that many have demonstrated towards South Africans."

Celebrate South Africa is the lens through which these ideas will be revealed. For six weeks from April 17^th – 31^st May, Central London will literally explode with music, contemporary dance, craft, film, fashion and food, a testament of the nation’s extraordinary vibrancy since 1994. Londoners will witness an exciting fusion of some very diverse influences, which nonetheless remain quintessentially South African in spirit and attitude.

The festival kicks off with an exciting landmark event, ‘South Africa Freedom Day Concert on the Square’, in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 29th April. Marking the seventh anniversary of South Africa’s first free elections, this huge free concert will feature a cast of international and South African musical stars, massed drummers and a choreographed light show. This large scale event celebrates the achievements of the past seven years and thanks the British people, with whom South Africa has such a unique connection, for their support over the years.

Tickets for the concert are free can only be gained by calling the ticket hotline number on 0906 617 2904. A donation from the proceeds of the ticket telephone line will benefit The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and The Prince’s Trust.

Other highlights of the festival include a range of South African theatrical performances; classic Shakespeare in the form of Welcome Msomi’s critically acclaimed production Umabatha – the Zulu Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe and a contemporary season of drama at the Tricycle Theatre featuring Suip!, Boy called Rubbish and Squawk.

The National Film Theatre hosts a month of South African film, the first major season of South African cinema to be screened in the UK. Highlighting new South African cinema, it will include a new generation of filmmakers as well as presenting discussion seminars, screenings of documentaries, television work, short films and prize-winning advertisements.

A showcase and seminar programme of innovation and excellence in South Africa will take place at the London BFI IMAX Cinema while celebrated dancers and choreographers will wow audiences at the Purcell Room with this exploration of identity and citizenship; Contemporary applied art will be featured at the.gallery@oxo - sophisticated, modern craft created by South African artists from everyday objects.

Last, but not least, Celebrate South Africa takes over the South Bank from Bernie Spain Gardens to the Royal Festival Hall with music, dance, carnival, craft and a special gala night, Freedom Too!

Source: Press Release by Department of Foreign Affairs, 5 April 2001