Makhaola Ndebele - Public Lecture

By Institute for Creative Arts http://www.ica.uct.ac.za

Wed Aug 23, 18:00 - Wed Aug 23, 20:00

Hiddingh Hall, UCT Hiddingh Campus

ABOUT

The Institute for Creative Arts invites you to a public lecture with theatre practitioner Makhaola Ndebele.


The talk is titled; Liberating the Self through Performance Auto-Ethnography: A Journey of Exile, Agency, and Reflection. It will take place on Wednesday 23rd of August in Hiddingh Hall, UCT Hiddingh Campus at 6 pm (refreshments will be served at 5.30 pm).


Through excerpts from Ndebele’s production, Cantos of a Life in Exile, this talk will unveil the transformative power of personal storytelling and how performance auto-ethnography can be a beacon of self-liberation, empowering individuals to rewrite their narratives and reclaim agency. Moreover, it will explore how performance auto-ethnography serves as a compelling lens to reflect upon South African society's intricate layers. By intertwining personal experiences with broader narratives, we unearth new perspectives and challenge conventional viewpoints. 


Come and experience this captivating exploration of self-expression, resilience, and societal insights as we unravel the potential of performance auto-ethnography.


About Cantos of a Life in Exile

The work is a captivating tale of finding one's true self. It follows the journey of a South African life, born in exile, as it searches for a sense of belonging and a place to call home. The story draws inspiration from a range of theatre and performance styles, with a special focus on traditional Southern African genres such as iiNgoma, iziBongo, and iiNtsomi. These mesmerising forms of storytelling, poetry and healing rituals are deeply ingrained in local cultures, adding a unique and authentic touch to the narrative. Prepare to be blown away by the power and inspiration of this breathtaking story, as it captures your heart and soul, leaving you spellbound and yearning for more.


Cantos of a Life in Exile is currently on at Theatre Arts from the 14th to the 20th of August. 


Biography 

Makhaola Ndebele is a versatile professional with over 25 years of acting experience in theatre, television, and film; as an actor, theatre director, and creative consultant. His artistic pursuits encompass diverse projects, including comedies, drama series, and variety-comedy shows. Makhaola's dramatist work delves into personal politics of identity and liberation within a South African context. Currently, Makhaola is a research associate at the University of Johannesburg. His work explores Performance Auto-ethnography as a method for liberatory agency.