Cape Town’s Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival returns for its 20th edition this August, marking two significant milestones: 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March, and 55 years of the Artscape Theatre Centre. Running from 1–31 August, this year’s programme adopts the theme A Place For All, bringing together theatre, music, dance, film, exhibitions and public conversations that explore equality, identity and social justice through the lens of women’s experiences.
Rather than confining itself to a single day of celebration, the festival expands it into a month-long programme that places artists, activists, authors and community leaders in conversation. Alongside the annual Women’s Humanity Walk on National Women’s Day (9 August) —which this year honours Women’s March leader Sophie Williams-De Bruyn—the festival will tackle issues including gender-based violence, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, economic empowerment and mental wellbeing through workshops, panel discussions and community-led events.
The arts programme reflects that same spirit of activism and inclusion. Highlights include the stage adaptation of Dianne du Toit Albertze’s Bottelnek Breek Bek, documentary Bones, which explores the repatriation of Sara Baartman, and the return of drag spectacular ABFAB, alongside nostalgic cabaret Divalicious Dames. Audiences can also look forward to traditional marimba performances from Women Unite, choir showcases through Voices in Unison, book launches from Woman Zone and the premiere of Falling Forward, Rachel Kolisi’s documentary which features an original song by Anica Kiana and explores resilience, identity and personal transformation.
The full programme will be unveiled at the festival’s media launch on 8 July, with events taking place throughout Women’s Month at Artscape and venues across Cape Town. Tickets and updates can be found on the Artscape’s website.
