HUMANITY is the theme of the Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival this year and takes place in various venues around the Artscape Theatre Centre from August 6 to 9.

It forms part of women’s empowerment month in August where the challenges still prevalent in our communities are addressed and the humanness of our society is advocated. At the same time the ability of persons with disabilities are celebrated.

As part of the festival three significant theatre works will be presented in the Artscape Arena by award-winning and acclaimed artists, playwrights and directors. Tickets are R80 for these performances and may be purchased in advance from Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695 or at all Computicket outlets.

Bittersoet has two performances on July 31 and August 1 at 7.30 pm. This Afrikaans translation of Deon Opperman’s Sweet Sorrows is about five different women juggling with the curveballs of life. Whether you are strong, funny or regretful, when dealt a bad deck of cards the sweet balm lies in the quiet triumph of healing. It is produced and performed by Elsabé Daneel and directed by Juanita Swanepoel. There is an age restriction of 14 plus.

Cold Case, on August 6 and 7 is a tribute to Dulcie September, who was assassinated in 1988 while opening the ANC’s Paris office. This highly acclaimed work is produced and performed by actress, Denise Newman and directed by Basil Appollis. As a theatrical presentation Cold Case, does not try to solve the mystery of who assassinated Dulcie, but goes some way to present the various scenarios already in the public domain. It also celebrates this legendary Cape Town school teacher turned freedom fighter who was deemed dangerous enough to be assassinated. There are three performances at 7.30 pm on August 6 and 3 pm and 7.30 pm on August 7. Prior to the opening on August 6, Denise will give a talk about Dulcie September in the Artscape Marble Foyer extension at 5.30 pm.

Henrietta with Love from August 8 to 15, is a new work written by Peter Voges for Lee-Ann van Rooi who plays the role of Henrietta. It is directed by Sandra Temmingh. Wife to Charlie, mother to Mercia, sister to Rosie, friend to Freda, neighbour to big Mrs Castens, Henrietta speaks of her life with love. She shares her traditions, explores the meaning of things and troubles of the mind, ginger squares, Protea Village they now call Bishops Court, nerve pills, the war in North Africa, her favourite cerise pill box hat with matching petals. AND the one day that changed everything. Performances are at 7.30 p on August 8, 3 pm on August 9,  7.30 pm from August 11 to 14 and 3 pm and 7.30 pm on August 15.

Says Marlene le Roux, director of Artscape audience development and education; “We are extremely proud to present this brand-new work at the festival as the story resonates with that of Dulcie September’s. Both have their roots in Athlone, Cape Town and depicts the lives of Coloured women.

“Through the arts and the other events that make up the festival programme we are able to address and discuss issues faced by the most vulnerable members of our society.This year Artscape is partnering with organisations such as The Black Sash who celebrate their 60th anniversary and launch the latest publication by author and long-time Black Sash member, Mary Burton.”

Having received an Ovation Award at the 2015 National Arts Festival, the Unmute Dance Company, who are an organisation focused on the inclusion of people with disabilities, they will present two works directed by Themba Mbuli in the Artscape Theatre at 8 pm.

Trapped on Thursday, August 6 merges visual art, sound dialogue and dance as three artists pioneer integrated techniques with mixed abilities. The work is autobiographical and includes well-known deaf dancer choreographer Andile Vellem and wheelchair dancers Nadine McKenzie Appollis and Zama Sonjica. It is a celebration of the human spirit and the ability of persons with disability.

Ashed on August 7, mirrors the evolution of South African citizens, looking at ourselves as a nation, where did we come from, where we are now, and where are we heading.

Die Glas ennie Draad, on Saturday, August 8 at 11.30 am is based on a true story from one of South Africa’s most notorious ganglands. This is an on-stage demonstration of how communities are reconstructed and the healing processes which can be achieved through discourse. It is directed by Sandra Temmingh. After the production there will be a dialogue with audience participation, facilitated by Dr Ruben Richards of the Ruben Richards Foundation and Dr Thaver, a Sociologist at UWC. This is also in the Artscape Theatre.

The festival programme will include a Humanity Walk commencing at the District Six Homecoming Centre on Saturday, August 8 at 12 noon and end at Artscape. This interactive initiative gives ‘Walkers’ the opportunity to communicate with someone they don’t know and build a bridge of dialogue.

On Sunday, August 9 at 3 pm the 2015 the festival ends on a high note with the Humanity Gospel Concert. Artists include Neville D, Rouchelle Liedemann, Tertia Hendricks, Michelle Botha and Anele Tame.

Visit http://www.artscape.co.za for more information about the festival, booking details and participating organisations.