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| Siyathandisa Theatre Work group welcomed at KIA by film actor 'Phwedo' & NASFEST team |
A group of young artists from South
Africa, Siyathandisa Theatre Work has arrived in the country ahead of their performance
at the NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival 2025 slated for Friday, February
7 to Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe.
The festival, provides a
vibrant platform for young performers to showcase their theatrical and artistic
talents, encourage creative expression and cultural exchange, bringing together
youths and students from different communities and secondary schools across
Malawi and Southern Africa.
Upon arrival at Kamuzu
International Airport, Aaron Tywabi, leader of Siyathandisa Theatre Work
expressed their excitement to be in Malawi and promised to showcase a unique production.
“We are fully prepared and we
are bringing a nice piece performed only once on 29th June 2024 in
South Africa. So, this is going to be a second time to be perform this
production called Mirrors, written and directed by Aaron” he said
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| Two ladies from Siyathandisa Theatre Work joins a traditional welcome perfomed by MALIBOSS Theatre |
The group from the rainbow
nation, was welcomed by the Malawi’s celebrated film actor, Phwedo whose real
name is Tumpe Mtaya and Likuni Boys Secondary School theatre group popularly
known as MALIBOSS Theatre.
Linga Creatives Director who
is the Artists Coordinator and Liaison Officer for the NASFEST, Shafiq Kalumo
said the arrival of the group from South Africa is an exciting and a milestone as
the event has managed to include and bring young people from South Africa to
perform at the event.
‘’Some people were worried
and not sure if indeed NASFEST would bring people from South Africa to perform
at this years event, but now they can see for themselves that they are right
here in Malawi and this means the festival has begun because beginning tomorrow
we are going to start tours for schools to allow students in arts to interact with
these artists as we wait for actual performances on Friday up to Sunday at Madsoc
Theatre.’’ Explained Kalumo
He shared that there are
other groups expected to arrive from neighboring countries like Zambia who are bringing
different types of perfomances including theatrical poetry, drama, dance among
others.
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| Siyathandisa Theatre Work, MALIBOSS Theatre, and NASFEST team in group photo |
‘’This edition of NASFEST,
people should expect something different and better. We therefore encourage
people to come and see what NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival for
this year will look like.’’ promised Kalumo
The NASFEST International
Youth Cultural Festival is annual flagship event run by Light of Youth Creative
Organization (LYCO) in order to promote artistic growth, collaboration, and a
love for the performing arts among schools and youth groups, while also
fostering community, skill development, and an appreciation for dramatic arts.
This 17th edition
of the festival will include a variety of activities, such as training
workshops, cultural interface meetings, visual arts exhibitions, visual arts, cultural
and contemporary dances, storytelling, and competitions in drama, music,
poetry, film screening, and literature. It will culminate into an awards
presentation ceremony, recognizing outstanding performances and achievements.
In the context of Malawi and Southern Africa, the festival highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions. Also, the presence of inspirational role models, partner organizations, and high-profile officials from various sectors, including the government, adds prestige to the event and encourages young people to appreciate their artistic and cultural talents.
