The Theatre by the Sea festival is coming to Durban to acknowledge and embrace the cultural, spiritual, and social significance of the ocean. The event will take place near the Port Natal Maritime Museum this Sunday, October 25th, from 9 am to 4 pm.
With support from the Department of Arts and Culture and funding from the National Arts Council (NAC), the Theatre by the Sea festival will present 10 productions from 10 different groups, showcasing cultural stories related to the ocean.
The festival aims to create opportunities for artists beyond this event. Wumile Madlanga, co-founder and organizer of the Rooted Twins Community Arts Organisation, which he founded with his twin brother Wumi Madlanga, noted that interested parties from various municipalities will be present at the event.
Madlanga added that casting directors from South African soap operas and telenovelas, as well as series producers and representatives from theatre festivals, will also attend. This initiative is aimed at helping artists find long-term employment in the industry.
Of the ten participating groups, seven represent KwaZulu-Natal, and three represent the Eastern Cape. Among the presented productions will be 'Amanzi Amadala' (Old Waters), written by Durban local Nduduzo 'Javu' Masibekela and performed by Silondokule Sebekulu with Lindo Kule Mbambo as percussionist and musician.
Masibekela explained the purpose of his play, stating: 'What I want to convey is that we cannot drain the water with our hands.' He continued: 'Our people, lost at sea, lost due to migration, lost due to violence, and lost due to history—they are not lost; they are in the old waters. If we forget them, the sea will not forget.'
Another performer from the Eastern Cape, Yamkela Mbele, professionally known as Dr. Godide Sompisi, will present the production ILIZWI LOMOYA (Voice of Nature) at the festival, which explores the connection between humanity, nature, spirituality, and ancestral roots. Mbele stated that through this production, he wants the audience to reflect on the importance of respecting nature, understanding one's roots, and accepting one's identity without fear or shame.
He also mentioned that ILIZWI LOMOYA is inspired by his observations of how humanity is gradually losing its connection with nature, cultural identity, and spiritual heritage. Madlanga clarified that the idea of creating Theatre by the Sea with his twin brother arose from people's love for nature and the ocean.
'The inspiration for this festival lies in the fact that in theatre, we tell stories through dance, music, and acting,' he said. According to Madlanga, the performances will serve an educational function for communities, informing them about water pollution, ocean swimming safety, and safe and unsafe times for swimming.
Furthermore, he believes that the ocean should be kept clean, just like a person, as it is a way for people to connect with nature and their ancestors. The festival, scheduled for October 25, 2026, will be free to attend; visitors are advised to bring their own drinks.