Just over a week ago, the 12th of September marked 37 years since the chief creator of the Black Consciousness movement, Steve Biko, was killed in the custody of the apartheid police. Today his legacy lives on through a number of institutions in South Africa and abroad. The main organisation here in South Africa is the The Steve Biko Foundation. It’s hosting a number of events in the coming weeks in commemoration of 37 years since his death. These are:
1. “The Quest For a True Humanity” exhibition in Pretoria
The exhibition details the life story of Steve Biko. It’s at the Ditsong National Museum.
Date: 23 September
Time: 18:30 for 19:00
Venue: Ditsong Museum, 147 Visagie Street, Pretoria,City of Tshwane
Contact Person: Thando Sipuye – SBF Communications Officer
Tel: 011 403 0310
Email: rsvp@sbf.org.za
2. Heritage Day Celebration Dialogue:“Celebrating our Heritage: Exploring African Culture & Customs” in King William’s Town
A special buffet lunch will be served at the Steve Biko Centre’s Aluta Restaurant, at R100.00 for adults and R15.00 for children.
Date: 24 September
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: The Steve Biko Center, One Zotshie Street, Ginsberg, King William’s Town
Contact Person: Jongi Hoza SBF Programme Officer, Arts & Culture.
Tel: 043 605 6700
Email: jongi@sbf.org.za
3. Screening of the documentary film “Black Wednesday” in Johannesburg
The film is a narrative of the day the apartheid government banned 18 organizations and 3 newspapers affiliated with the Black Consciousness Movement. The documentary recounts the events leading up to the 19th of October 1977 (Black Wednesday) by weaving together a narrative from interviews, archive and text. Produced by the Steve Biko Foundation and Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking.
Date: 2 October
Venue: Johannesburg, TBA
Time: TBA
Contact Person: Thando Sipuye, SBF Communications Officer
Tel: 011 403 0310
Email: rsvp@sbf.org.za
4. Biko’s Quest at the Afro Vibes Festival in Amsterdam
A dance production depicting the life of Steve Biko. The production is inspired by the Steve Biko Foundation’s (SBF) exhibition, The Quest for a True Humanity. The cornerstones of this production are: Memory, Identity, History and Emotion. Directed by Mandla Mbothwe. Duration: 80 minutes.
Date: 6-8 October
Venue: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Time: 19:30 – 20:50 (GMT + 2)
For more info please visit: http://www.afrovibes.nl/2014/
5. Biko’s Quest at the Afro Vibes Festival in London
A dance production depicting the life of Steve Biko. The production is inspired by the Steve Biko Foundation’s (SBF) exhibition, The Quest for a True Humanity. The cornerstones of this production are: Memory, Identity, History and Emotion. Directed by Mandla Mbothwe. Duration: 80 minutes.
Date: 13 October – 9 November
Venue: London, United Kingdom
Time: 19:00 (GMT + 1)
For more info please visit: http://www.afrovibesuk.com/
6. Screening of the documentary film “Black Wednesday” in Cape Town
A narrative of the day the apartheid government, in the wake of Steve Biko’s death, banned eighteen organizations and three newspapers affiliated with the Black Consciousness Movement. The documentary recounts the events leading up to the 19th of October 1977 (Black Wednesday) by weaving together a narrative from interviews, archive and text. Produced by the Steve Biko Foundation and Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking.
Date: 13 October
Venue: Cape Town. Venue TBA
Time: TBA
Contact Person: Thando Sipuye, SBF Communications Officer
Tel: 011 403 0310
Email: rsvp@sbf.org.za
7. The Steve Biko Memorial Lecture in London
The lecture will be held at the London School of Economics. It’s to be delivered by Hugh Masekela. The title of the lecture is “Art & Activism: reflections on the anti-apartheid struggle & two decades of South African democracy”. Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer and defiant political voice. With a career that spans over 5 decades, Masekela remains a driving cultural force at home and abroad, as well as an advocate for justice and equality globally. This event is free and open to all with no ticket or pre-registration required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis. For any queries contact Thando Sipuye on +27 11 403 0310 0r via email on tsipuye@sbf.org.za. Please note that press seats are usually allocated at least 24 hours before each event.
Date: 23 October
Time: 18h30-20h00
Venue: London School of Economics, Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House
Speaker: Hugh Masekela
