Jabulani Mathonsi|Published
The Theatre by the Sea Festival comes to Durban to honour and embrace the ocean’s cultural, spiritual and social significance. It will take place alongside the Port Natal Maritime Museum this Sunday, 25 October, from 9am to 4pm.
In partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture and funded by the National Arts Council (NAC), Theatre by the Sea will feature 10 performances by 10 groups, showcasing cultural stories about the ocean.
The festival seeks to create opportunities for performers beyond this event. “There’ll be stakeholders from different municipalities,” said Vumile Madlanga, co-founder and organiser of the Rooted Twins Community Arts Organisation, which he established alongside his twin brother, Vuma Madlanga.
Madlanga added that the festival would also feature casting directors for South African soap operas and telenovelas, as well as series producers and theatre festival representatives. This initiative aims to help performers find long-term employment in the industry.
Of the 10 performing groups, seven are from KwaZulu-Natal and three from the Eastern Cape. Among the performances will be Amanzi Amadala (The Old Waters), written by Durban-based Nduduzo “Javu” Masibekela and performed by Silondokuhle Cebekhulu, with Lindo Kuhle Mbambo as percussionist and musician.
“What I want to communicate is that we cannot pull water with our hands,” said Masibekela, explaining the purpose of his show.
He added: “Our people who are lost at sea, lost to migration, lost to violence, and lost to history — are not lost, they are in the old waters. If we forget them, the sea will not.”
Another performer from the Eastern Cape is Yamkela Mbele, professionally known as Dr Godide Sompisi. At the festival, he will present ILIZWI LOMOYA (The Voice of Nature), a theatrical production exploring the relationship between humanity, nature, spirituality and ancestral identity.
“Through this performance, I want audiences to reflect on the importance of respecting nature, understanding their roots and embracing their identities without fear or shame,” said Mbele, who is also the founder and director of Ingqayi KaNtu Entertainment.
He said ILIZWI LOMOYA was inspired by his observations of how humanity is gradually losing its connection with nature, cultural identity and spiritual heritage.
Madlanga said the idea of establishing Theatre by the Sea with his twin brother was inspired by people's love for nature and the ocean.
“The inspiration behind this festival is because, in theatre, we tell stories through dance, music and acting,” he said.
According to Madlanga, the performances will educate communities about water pollution, ocean safety when swimming, and safe and unsafe times to swim in the sea.
He also believes the ocean should be kept clean, just like a person, because it is a way for people to connect with nature and their ancestors.
The festival, scheduled for October 25, 2026, will offer free entry. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own refreshments.
IOL