Theatre and identity: Rajesh Gopie on the Red Mango Arts Festival

AS SOUTH Africa prepares to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Natal, a vibrant new event, the Red Mango Arts Festival, is set to showcase the power of theatre in reflecting complex identities and histories.

- CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY

The festival serves as a cultural resurrection, aimed not just at celebrating a significant historical milestone, but also reigniting interest in the arts post-Covid-19.

The idea for the Red Mango Arts Festival was the brainchild of internationally-acclaimed actor and acting coach, Rajesh Gopie.

Gopie speaks about the festival, the theatre scene and his training academy, Actorwize.

Q: When did the idea for the Red Mango Arts Festival come about and how did you curate what productions should be included? Also, why do you think the productions - Roti Queen, Out of Bounds, and Letters of Suresh - are apt as we prepare to mark the 165th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Natal?

A: Curation is always a challenge, especially given the severe budget constraints facing the arts today. To create entirely new work specifically around the "arrival of Indians" would require significant time and resources; luxuries we don't yet have in launching a first-time festival.

That said, the festival pays direct homage to the 1860 arrival in other ways through initiatives like the 1860 Exhibition, Find Your Roots by Selvan Naidoo of the 1860 Heritage Centre, and My Great Family Adventure by Adi Paxton. These elements provide a literal and historical acknowledgment.

Beyond that, the festival itself marks the 165th anniversary through an act of cultural resurrection: a stand for the continued presence of the arts, a reminder of their power to bring people together, and an invitation for audiences to return to theatre in a meaningful way, especially after the setbacks of Covid.