Come back to town to enjoy the vibrant city centre, where there is a lot to enjoy. Here's our selection of what's on.
ART
The Mask Project
Ongoing
THK Gallery has an interesting project inspired by masks, which have become a part of our daily lives. The Mask Project is a collaboration between artists Nonzuzo Gxekwa and Pierre le Riche. Both artists created the works during South Africa’s strict lockdown and wanted to show “the resilience and creativity of the arts in Africa”. Le Riche, who works predominantly with fabrics and textiles, created six textile masks that were then incorporated by Gxekwa in her photographs.
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
Poetry & Song Live
14 May 2021
Treat yourself to a special evening featuring poet Siphokazi Jonas and musicians Heinrich Frans, Benedict De Maar and Valentino Europa. These are all seasoned artists who have performed alongside many of South Africa’s most formidable musicians and those from abroad. Youngblood Gallery which boasts captivating art exhibitions will host this event in their beautiful and intimate setting.
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 70 Bree St
When: 18h30
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3xI9yol
Exhibitions at Nel
Ongoing
Nel has a range of exhibitions on show including Mandisa by Turiya Magadlela, which ends on 20 May. Their newest exhibition called “Province” by John-Michael Metelerkamp opens this week.
Where: Nel, 117 Long St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.nelart.co.za
DOPAMINE
Now on 28 May 2021
While cell phones have changed our lives for the better, their negative impact when used excessively can’t be overlooked. This is what Buhle Nkalashe explores in his latest exhibition showing people with their cell phones. He explains that while these devices save time and have made it easier for us to communicate and find opportunities, “they have become places where we seek validation”.
Where: Nel, 117 Long St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.worldart.co.za
Artscape Theatre Centre Costume Exhibition
Now on till 31 May
Take a walk down memory lane with the Artscape Theatre Centre’s exhibition showing costumes from 1971 to the present. The show, part of Artscape’s ongoing 50th-anniversary celebrations, features over 40 outfits made by the venue’s wardrobe department and drawings of the designs. Check it out for free this month and be reminded of the glitz and glamour. Call 021 421 7695 to book a guided tour. You can also view the virtual exhibition here https://youtu.be/lux4C0JE1n4.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre ( Opera House Chandelier Foyer), D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Free
www.artscape.co.za
Western Paper Marbling Workshop
22 May 2021
If you’d like to learn how to paint on water using centuries-old marbling techniques, this workshop is for you. You’ll be taught about the history of paper marbling and its applications, how to prepare the paper for marbling and to control the behaviour of the paints. Plus, you’ll leave with your unique creation.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 10h00 – 14h00
Cost: R600
www.theladderon136.com
Love letters to the muted world
Now on till 8 May
Treat yourself to “Love letters to the muted world” by Katrine Claassens, which looks at extinction and urban nature. Detailed oil paintings by Claassens show birds, horses, plants, and flowers in their glory even though they are under threat. The work aims to warn people of what could be lost if there is no behavioural change while at the same time paying tribute to what has already been lost.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Aluta Continua
Now on 1 August 225
This exhibition looks at the largely overlooked Western Cape chapter of the 1976 student uprisings and brutal killing and arrest of students by the apartheid regime. The aim is to map the student’s individual and collective contribution to the fall of apartheid.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, Cnr Adderley and Wale streets
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Framing Landscape: ‘the Picturesque’ and ‘the Sublime’
Now on till 28 February 2022
This one-of-a-kind exhibition brings together landscape paintings made in Europe and South Africa between the 1600s and 1800s. The aim is to showcase the “two major modes of landscape art that emerged in this period”. Works being presented include paintings from the Bailey, William Fehr and Iziko South African National Gallery collections.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Dance Can Dance
14 May till 15 May 2021
In these trying times, we all need some form of healing. Fortunately, an antidote is available at Artscape in the form of “Dance Can Dance”. This concert celebrates the universal power of dance and music and its ability to transcend borders and bring people together.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100
www.artscape.co.za
Les Sylphides / Ingoma
19 May till 5 June 2021
Treat yourself or someone special to a thrilling double bill of works by Cape Town City Ballet. The first production, Les Sylphides, is a romantic ballet and the other, Ingoma, shows the struggle of black South African miners and their families in 1946 through a fusion of ballet, African dance and singing.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R250 – R300
www.artscape.co.za
(Un)Infecting the City
7 May till 30 June 2021
The popular Infecting the City public arts festival returns to the Cape Town CBD and has been renamed (Un)Infecting the City this year. The event, which happens every two years, sees the CBD transformed with music, theatre, dance, poetry performances and visual art installations. Its organisers, the University of Cape Town’s Institute for Creative Arts (ICA), do this to encourage people to experience their city in a new way and think differently about urban spaces and how they are used. This year’s edition is a welcome relief to the performers affected by Covid-19 and the Cape Town CBD which needs a boost in foot traffic.
Where: Various city spaces including Long St (Open House), Western Cape Legislature Building, Iziko Slave Lodge, Spin St, Church Square, Adderley St, St George's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Road and the Company’s Garden
When: 14h30 – 21h00
Cost: Free
http://infectingthecity.com/2021/
EATERIES & OTHER EVENTS
Brunch Club
Ongoing
Enjoy a sumptuous and leisurely brunch experience at Grub & Vine on Saturdays. This is a unique experience with a fresh take on brunch classics with an option to choose from delicious à la carte dishes or the whole menu. What’s more, bubbles from Graham Beck are available all day.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 11h00 – 15h00 (Every Saturday)
www.grubandvine.co.za
Gin Saturdays
Ongoing
Gin Saturdays are back at The Station On Bree which means gin lovers can indulge in no less than five double G&Ts with garnish. Available gins include Cruxland, Triple Three, Bull Dog and Tanqueray. Book your spot today so you don’t miss out on a selection of local and international award-winning gins on offer.
Where: The Station On Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 14h00 – 19h00
Cost: R200
www.thestation.capetown
Bike to Work Day
21 May 2021
This annual event raises awareness about commuting to work by bicycle and encourages people to consider using this mode of transport to their workplaces. Another important aspect of the day is highlighting the importance of both cyclists and motorists to share the road safely. If you’re in the CBD and need a bike, check Rook Cycles or Revolution Cycles Cape Town for recommendations.
The PSG Think Big Series
Ongoing
One of the most thought-provoking webinars for business leaders is the Think Big series by financial services group, PSG. Led by Bruce Whitfield, award-winning financial journalist and PSG executives, the conversations with various speakers “address burning issues that are concerning South Africans in these uncertain times” to empower leaders with evidence of how the situation could develop. The next session is on the Future of the Western Cape and features Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde. Register here and also check out recordings of previous sessions.
East City Cycles Friday Social Ride
Every Friday
Where: East City Cycles, 50 Harrington St
When: 05h45 – 07h30
Cost: Free
www.eastcitycycles.com
Storytime for children at Book Lounge
Every Saturday
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za
IMAGES: THK Gallery, Rook Cycles, Artscape Theatre Centre, Iziko, Grub & Vine