The longer than usual National Arts Festival has proved to be a resounding success in terms of ticket sales. At the halfway mark, ticket sales had increased by 7% compared to last year which is a good sign as the Soccer World Cup has brought about some international media coverage.
 

The National Arts Festival office says one of the strengths of this year’s Festival is the quality of the shows on the Fringe programme, which has seen a shift towards theatre and dance as opposed to stand-up comedy.

On the Main programme, Festinos have taken a keen interest in the music and ballet productions. This weekend also promises some good performances featuring the likes of Judith Sephuma and Oliver Mtukudzi in collaboration with Sibongile Khumalo performing “Songs of Migration”.

There is also more theatre and dance to be enjoyed. There have also been more free shows in the form of street theatre and exhibitions open to the public than in previous years which has introduced a larger, more diverse audience as well as creating more opportunities for the residents of Grahamstown.