A powerful line-up of artists will feature at Unbroken Spirits: Concert for Humanity on Sunday, 1 December 2024 at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone, Cape Town between 5pm and 8pm. The ensemble performance commemorates both Emancipation Day on 1 December and International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November. Emancipation Day marks the emancipation of slaves in South Africa in 1834.
Experience a captivating fusion of music, dance and spoken word as talented artists come together to inspire and uplift. Artists include vocalist Saalim Ismail; the Hilton Schilder band (pictured above); flamenco guitarists Bienyameen and Dawood Camroodien; the Triple C Ensemble; the Betjies of Betjiesfontein riel dancers, Afro-Suns Drummers; the Habibia Brigade (pictured below); Tierra Flamenca dancers; musicians Tina Schouw and Lungiswa Plaatjies; poets Iman Omar, Vusumuzi Mpofu and Diana Ferrus and photographer Nawawie Mathews.
Initiated by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Cape Cultural Collective, and in collaboration with other organisations, Unbroken Spirits is part of the Living Rights Festival (LRF) that spotlights injustices across the globe and advocates for justice and human rights.
Links between slavery and the current genocide of the Palestinian people
The event will be directed by two experienced theatre directors – Tauriq Jenkins from the South African Palestinian Arts and Culture Coalition (SAPACC) and Megan Choritz, a member of the South African Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP). SAPACC and SAJFP have expressed their honour and pride to be associated with a collaborative initiative aimed at demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian people and all oppressed from around the world.
“Through art we will draw the links between slavery and the current genocide of the Palestinian people, across time and geographical boundaries,” said SAJFP. “Artists have often used their work to hold a mirror up to society. They not only reflect the world as it is, but they challenge us to think about what it could be. We celebrate them for this”, said the Salt River Heritage Society, one of the participating organisations. Another, the Cape Cultural Collective, said: “The Palestinians and all oppressed people need our support. Every day in every way. It is a matter of life and death.”
What: Unbroken Spirits: Concert for Humanity
Where and when: Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone on 1 December 2024
Tickets: Tickets for in-person attendance and virtual viewing from Quicket
WS
