The fourth annual Artfluence Human Rights Festival, hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will be a week-long exploration of the power of art as a defender of social justice and human rights.

Under the theme Bridges of Solidarity, the 2024 festival takes place from Friday May 3 to Wednesday 8 and fosters collaboration among 40 cultural producers who will develop strategies that advance shared values. The festival’s performance line-up boasts six events.

During the opening night, audiences can expect to be captivated by renowned arts policy specialist and political playwright Mike van Graan’s acclaimed solo production, My Fellow South Africans, which is a satirical take on contemporary South Africa performed by Kim Blanche.

The festival will also screen a documentary from Enver Samuels’s acclaimed documentary series, Truth Be Told on the TRC, titled Ntombikayise Kubheka, Bones of Memory.

Ukrainian choreographer, Kateryna Aloshyna will showcase South African dancers in the, We Stand for Freedom performance. This performance reflects what the fight for freedom means for Ukrainians and South Africans.

“The performance involves the audience in interactive participation via digital medium. Based on the responses received, the dancers adapt the performance on stage,” said Ms Aloshyna.

Durban-based choreographer, dancer and community activist Musa Hlatshwayo will introduce his interactive and performative installation, Rubbish Orchestra, to the audiences. In this installation movement and sound integrate into a creative orchestral jam.

Mr Musa, who was born in Maphumulo (KZN), is a multi-award winning choreographer, creative director, performer and educator with experience in the performing arts and the community development fraternity.

The festival culminates in a free-of-charge closing event at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) Gallery curated by Dr Michelle Stewart of UKZN’s Digital Arts Unit.

“This event will feature large-scale digital projections showcasing animation, experimental film, and digital imagery by Digital Arts postgraduate students,” said Dr Stewart.

“This programme will also include interactive multimedia performances, an exhibition, and a collaborative 30-meter artwork accompanied by performances by students from the Centre for Jazz and Contemporary Music. This project is presented in association with the Royal Academy of Art in Antwerp.”

Expanding its reach, the Artfluence Human Rights Festival partners with the African Festival Network to welcome delegates from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Additionally, Nike Jonah, a representative of the Pan African Creative Exchange, will join the festival. Supported by the Flemish Representation of Flanders in South Africa, the festival will also host Philip Meersman, founder member and President of the World Poetry Slam Competition.

The KZN Chapter of the South African Human Rights Commission has also pledged its support. Mr Van Graan will curate a series of round-tables and discussions for the festival. The programme will also include site visits to the KwaMuhle Museum in Durban, Luthuli Museum in Groutville, north of Durban , and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, KZN. An evening programme will feature performances, exhibitions and film screenings.

The main event venue is Howard College Theatre at UKZN while the closing event will take place at KZNSA Gallery. Click here for the full programme.

Bookings for ticketed events can be done via Webtickets.

Musa Hlatshwayo will introduce his interactive and performative installation, Rubbish Orchestra, at the fourth annual Artfluence Human Rights Festival.

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Human rights take centre stage at annual arts festival