Igugu-Lethu Arts and Leadership Project hosted the Umanyano Arts Festival, at the Avalon Theatre, at the District Six Homecoming Centre, at the weekend.
Directed by Olwethu Katase, from Gugulethu, the festival explored the use of umoya (wind) as both breath and spirit, in invoking the healing spirit and uniting through dance, music and culture.
Katase said the organisation uses the arts, particularly dance, mentorship, leadership and English development classes, as a way to uplift youth in townships.
“The reason for taking the festival outside of Gugulethu is to expose our children and youth to professional stages and also give them the experience of performing on a professional stage.”
Katase choreographed pieces for Rosmead Primary School, Chris Hani Arts and Culture High School and Groote Schuur High School.
The festival had a special guest performer, Odwa Bongo who helped weave the entire show together through his African instrument called uhadi.
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