September marks Heritage month in South Africa and with our country being rich in diversity, we are a blooming bouquet of culture soaked in a reach tapestry of traditional difference.
One such heritage is that of the San and Khoi.
The Artscape is gearing up to be draped in history and story telling when the Camissa Heritage Tour returns to the stage in September.
Directed by Luke de Kock, this production retraces South Africa’s colonial past and its connection to the Netherlands. Through historical narrative, dance and music, the emotional roller coaster production tell the story of Indigenous communities’ namely the San and Khoi, who inhabited South Africa’s landscape dating back thousands of years.
“The Camissa Heritage Tour offers audiences a deep dive into South Africa’s colonial history and its Dutch connections, focusing on Indigenous communities like the San and Khoi. Set within the historical Castle of Good Hope and other significant locations, this site-specific performance combines artistic expression with education.
“Attendees will explore the resistance of Indigenous peoples, the impact of Dutch colonisation, and the history of slavery in the Cape. The tour aims to highlight these important narratives, fostering a connection to the past and emphasising the significance of water as a symbol of cleansing and healing,” said De Kock.
The cast of nine hails from various areas in Cape Town including Bonteheuwel, Elsies River, Malmesbury, Worcester, Langa, Milnerton, Lavender Hill and Belhar.
De Kock, 33, from Bonteheuwel said, “ The message behind the Camissa Heritage Tour is to illuminate and honour the history and struggles of South Africa’s Indigenous communities. By recounting these stories through a theatrical and educational experience at historically significant sites, the tour seeks to raise awareness about the impact of colonisation, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples, and emphasise the ongoing relevance of these historical narratives.
“The reactions I’ve received from the audiences who has seen this production, proves that we are reaching our goal with the message we are trying to get out. We want people to get in touch with their history and share ancestral experiences of generations that came before us. We want to educate the audiences with this production and can boldly say we have achieved that goal.”
A viewer who previously watched the Camissa production, Jody Pieters, said, “I’m still coming to terms with the healing and evoking which occurred. Camissa have created something that was desperately needed and long overdue in this city.
“The care, consideration and beauty that went into the telling of our history was palpable. It was for us, for our ancestors, made by their descendants. It was delicate, yet exceptionally demanding and insisted that you look deeply, see what has happened on this land. See the wounds festering.
“See those who have been erased. See the blood and pain that built this city. I was not expecting any of that. I was out there in the theatre crying. So excited to see what comes next for this production, but also thrilled that young people in this city are making work like this.”
The production stages at the Artscape 26 -28 September. Tickets are available via Webtickets at R150.