Savour the arts: Hilton Festival to delight with music and theatre this August
The three-day event, which will be held at Hilton College, will also include a fine art exhibition, arts-related workshops, live music, interactive musical experiences, free street theatre and food and drink offerings.
The much-anticipated Hilton Arts Festival will be returning from August 8 to 10.
Here are six productions to add to your must-watch list.
"Girls & Boys"
Janna Ramos-Violante performs this gripping one-woman play that moves from humour to heartbreak with razor-sharp precision. It is a moving and unflinching look at gender, ambition and the quiet roots of violence.
"The Cleansing"
Performed outdoors amidst nature, "The Cleansing" is a ritual of movement and poetry that honours our sacred bond with the Earth. Choreographed by Lliane Loots, this powerful work blends dance and spoken word in a visceral call for ecological and social justice.
"Bitter Winter"
Paul Slabolepszy's latest smash hit follows revered classical actor Jean-Louis Lourens and rising TV sensation Prosper Mangane as they clash and connect, while auditioning for the blockbuster "Six Guns at Sesriem".
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Spotlight turns to the Midlands as Hilton Arts Festival returns for 32nd edition
EXCITEMENT is mounting across KwaZulu-Natal as the 32nd edition of the Hilton Arts Festival prepares to open its doors to scores of revellers from August 8 to 10. This year's event, hosted again at Hilton College in Hilton, promises an unforgettable celebration of the nation's finest arts, culture, and creativity. Organisers are predicting record-breaking attendance as thousands of people from around the country make their way to the Midlands to witness the gathering of South Africa's top talents in music, theatre, art, dance, and comedy. The festival has become a significant landmark on the national arts calendar, drawing visitors not only for its impressive roster of performances but also for its vibrant atmosphere and warm community spirit. 'The success of The Hilton Arts Festival over the years has been as a result of the wonderful support of our country's arts/ artistic communities, both corporate and small business and the dedicated public who support us by buying tickets and spreading the word, year after year,' said Julia Clarence, part of the organising team. Also Read: Something for everyone at 2024 Hilton Arts Festival The festival is about far more than just world-class drama. Fellow organiser Evan Roberts explained, 'This event is so much more than simply a drama festival. It's an attraction that brings visitors to this amazing part of the province not only for the shows, markets and food, but also exposes them to the numerous other attributes of the area, including magnificent scenery, wonderful attractions and a welcoming community. We're thrilled to be able to play our part in showcasing this region and contributing to its economy.' This year, the numbers speak for themselves: the 2025 Hilton Arts Festival is expected to draw an astounding 25 000 festival attendees. The Jongosi Schools Festival will once again inspire the next generation, welcoming 2000 eager learners to engage with the arts in fresh and exciting ways. Festivalgoers can look forward to exploring 100 craft stalls, each offering a unique array of handmade treasures and artisanal wares, while the 48 visual artists on display promise a feast for the eyes. Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with 45 food stalls serving up an eclectic mix of local and international cuisine, ensuring that every palate is catered for. Meanwhile, the heart of the festival remains its diverse line-up of ticketed productions — 41 in total — including theatre, music, and dance, each curated to delight and inspire audiences of all ages. Also Read: Grace Kotze exhibit at Art in the Country Among the shows that one can enjoy is Girls & Boys – written by Tony Award-winner Dennis Kelly (Matilda); A Dolls Life: Confessions of a Quarter Life Crisis, written and performed by Micaela Jade Tucker and directed by Lara Toselli; Bitter Winter directed by Lesedi Job, and starring André Odendaal, Orabile Ditsele, and Chantal Stanfield; The Hollow Crown featuring Fiona Ramsay, Graham Hopkins, Marcel Meyer and Matthew Baldwin, to name a few. The musical acts include Evan Cullum's Piano Man, Jou Ma Se Platespeler, an Amy Winehouse tribute – The diva and her demons, and an all-acoustic, four-piece, Gypsy Jazz band. Dance lovers will also be able to step into the groove with the Flatfoot Dance Company and test their moves with Funk the Disco. As the festival prepares to raise the curtain on its next chapter, both organisers and attendees are united by a shared sense of enthusiasm and pride. Entrance for the weekend is a once-off cost of R100 per car, valid for three days. Tickets can be bought via Webtickets and for the full programme, visit For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here

IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Savour the arts: Hilton Festival to delight with music and theatre this August
"The Cleansing" is choreographed by Lliane Loots and written by poet Iain Ewok Robinson. The three-day event, which will be held at Hilton College, will also include a fine art exhibition, arts-related workshops, live music, interactive musical experiences, free street theatre and food and drink offerings. The much-anticipated Hilton Arts Festival will be returning from August 8 to 10. Here are six productions to add to your must-watch list. "Girls & Boys" Janna Ramos-Violante performs this gripping one-woman play that moves from humour to heartbreak with razor-sharp precision. It is a moving and unflinching look at gender, ambition and the quiet roots of violence. "The Cleansing" Performed outdoors amidst nature, "The Cleansing" is a ritual of movement and poetry that honours our sacred bond with the Earth. Choreographed by Lliane Loots, this powerful work blends dance and spoken word in a visceral call for ecological and social justice. "Bitter Winter" Paul Slabolepszy's latest smash hit follows revered classical actor Jean-Louis Lourens and rising TV sensation Prosper Mangane as they clash and connect, while auditioning for the blockbuster "Six Guns at Sesriem".


The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
The Weeknd receives city honours in Toronto
Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, recently experienced a heartfelt return to his roots. On 26 July, the City of Toronto awarded him the Key to the City and declared the weekend as 'The Weeknd Weekend' in his honour. Local officials, community youth, and students from Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, his former school, attended this private ceremony. Toronto's Mayor, Olivia Chow, praised the artist: 'Born in Toronto, Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye represents the best of our city. From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern R&B music as a multi-platinum, Diamond-certified artist, according to People . He uses his platform to create a lasting impact for Toronto and around the world.' She highlighted not only his musical achievements but also his ongoing commitment to positive change. The Weeknd addressed the gathering with gratitude. 'I'm deeply honoured to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I'm committed to helping the next generation find theirs.' His connection to the city remains strong, as he continues to invest in its future. The singer revealed ambitious plans for community development. He will help revitalise a basketball court and build a mobile recording studio for the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough. Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute will also receive a new dance and arts studio, plus a sensory room for learners with developmental disabilities. Tesfaye's philanthropic commitment stretches far beyond Canada's borders. Since 2020, he has donated over R182 million to humanitarian causes globally. The Weeknd, who performs a series of homecoming shows in Toronto, has also achieved recent music milestones. Earlier this year, he became the highest-grossing Black male artist to perform at MetLife Stadium, according to Live Nation. His global influence underscores the potential for artists to bridge communities worldwide. Refusing to rest on his laurels, he shared with Variety, 'I don't think I can stop doing that. But everything needs to feel like a challenge.' He emphasised his desire to keep evolving and contributing. Tesfaye's example shows how one can give back, inspire young people, and remain ambitious, no matter the stage. His story is a compelling reminder for audiences in South Africa and beyond that roots, resilience, and reach matter in shaping a legacy. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.