Izandi Zemilambo Yabo Kuthi / The Sounds of Their Rivers in Us
Visual Art / Studio Gallery

"In Memoriam of creative workers" is an immersive audiovisual durational installation with scheduled live performances that commemorates and pays tribute to the departed artists through a multi-sensory experience.

Through a carefully curated blend of visuals, sounds, objects, and interactive elements, the installation invites visitors to connect with the spirits of the artists, honour their memory, and find solace in the beauty and power of art. The space is adorned with projections to capture the essence of the artists creative spirit. A carefully designed soundscape fills the room, enveloping visitors in a tapestry of emotions and memories. A chorus of individual spirits resonate throughout the space.

Lendawo offers a sanctuary for contemplation, healing, and celebration of the enduring impact of our Creative Workers and Artists, March 2020 to March 2024.

Book to join a hosted walkabout where the performances that take place within the installation will be discussed in the company of Mandla Mbothwe.

 

Artist Biography

Mandla Mbothwe is a Founder and Artistic Director at Mud and Fire Parables, Lecturer and Researcher at University of Cape Town, Co-Artistic director at Magnet Theatre, and co-Artistic director at Mbothwe and Doni Collectives.

 

He completed his Masters Degree in Theatre and Performance with distinctions at the University of Cape Town. He also obtained his Honors Degree in Theatre and Performance, Diploma in Theatre and Performance both through the University of Cape Town.

 

In recent years he served as Creative Manager of ARTSCAPE Theatre Centre and has served various institutions including the Steve Biko Foundation’s artistic director. He presented his work in festivals across the world including Infecting the City (Cape Town), Out of the Box (Cape Town), National Arts Festival and other international festivals.

 

He is an acclaimed South African theatre maker and award winner. He is a playwright, researcher, director, art teacher and theatre practitioner with twenty-one years experience. The multi-award winner has directed much work, including Isivuno sa maphupha (Harvesting of dreams), Ingcwaba le ndoda lise cankwedlela (The grave of the man is next to the road), Umyenzo we zandi (Eden of sounds), Inxeba lo mphilisi (The wound of a healer), Voices of Women with Abelusi of Steve Biko Centre, Ukushona ko Mendi productions, Biko’s QuestUkuphuthelwa (Insomnia) co-directed by House of Africa with Lulamile Nikani, Nzulu ye’mfihlakalo (Sacred of sacreds), Talking Souls commissioned by British Council and Artscape Theatre,  Awethu-Kraal of Dreams, Giant in Him with Lulamile Nikani, Thina so babini Us together and also so co-directed Ukhozi olumaphikoEzethu and 27 Windows/4 doors & 2 tapsIyazika, In His QuestNguvuYaMbenguG7-OkweBokwe, co-directed Ityala lamaweleSabmnye noMendiSidesibebany no SS Mendi, 1976 spirits, Biko Rising and Oratorio of the forgotten youth.

 

He has won multiple awards such as the Handspring Puppetry Award for Best Visual Theatre (2010), Fleur du Cap Award with Mark Fleishman and Jennie Reznek for Innovation in Theatre (2010), Fleur du Cap Award for Innovation in Theatre (2013) and Eastern Cape Arts & Culture Award for Outstanding Contribution in Drama (2013).

Credits

Conceived and Conceptualised by Mandla Mbothwe of Mud and Fire Parables

  • Studio Gallery
  • Rhodes University School of Fine Arts
  • Daily during the Festival 09:00 to 17:00
  • Daily entry to the exhibitions is free. The scheduled walkabouts have a minimal cost and booking is essential.