Highlights of the South African Season in France
May– December 2013
Last update: 4 May
Highlights in chronological order
May
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Visual Arts // Bridges at Musée Leon Dierx (Reunion Island)
(Reciprocal project between Courants d’art (FR) and Gallery Momo (SA): In 2012, the
exhibition was organised at Durban Art Gallery).
First time exhibition of the work of Photographs René-Paul Savignan (FR) and Andrew
Tshabangu (SA) on religious habits in Reunion Island and South Africa.
The exhibition will be showed in Paris (Maison des Metallos)
Saint-Denis (Reunion Island) / Opening on 17 May
Exhibition runs from 18 May to 29 September
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Literature // South African focus at Etonnants Voyageurs
(Reciprocal project between Etonnants Voyageurs (FR) and Open Book Cape Town (SA).
In 2012, Open Book Cape Town did a French focus and with French authors and
Etonnants Voyageurs)
11 South African authors (Mark Behr, Andre Brink, Breyten Breytenbach, Damon Galgut,
Michiel Heyns, Kopano Matlwa, Deon Meyer, Niq Mhlongo, Kgebtli Moele, Mike Nicol,
Ivan Vladislavic) + filmmaker Brian Little + 2 Open Book staff members.
Saint-Malo (West of France) / 18 - 20 May
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Cinema // South African presence at Cannes Film Festival
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South African Pavilion run by National Film and Video Foundation
South African party (venue TBC) / 18 May
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Collaboration with Pavillon des Cinémas du Monde
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Visual Arts // Coming Home exhibition in Nantes (2 venues)
The exhibition represents a major coup in the repatriation of visual art made during the
apartheid era and is currently under the curatorship of the Ifa Lethu Foundation. The
project will realise the twin partnership between the cities of Nantes and Durban and will
be placed at two venues, the School of architecture of Nantes (TBC) and the Maison de
l’Avocat. This will take place during the Human Rights Forum in Nantes from 22-26 May.
Nantes / 25 May - 12 July (opening 25 May TBC)
Opening week (27 May – 2 June)
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Eiffel Tower illumination
Paris / 28 May evening
Eiffel Tower to be illuminated with South African flag colours from 28 May to 3 June, then
again on 16th June and from the 15th to 21st of July
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Evening at Theatre National de Chaillot
Paris - Théâtre National de Chaillot - Paris / 28 May evening (full schedule tbc)
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Contemporary Dance // “Beauty remained for just a moment then returned gently
to her starting position” by Robyn Orlin with the dancers of Moving into Danc
Salle Jean Vilar
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Opening of the Nelson Mandela Exhibition
Paris – Hotel de Ville / opening on 29 May
Exhibition runs from 30 May to 6 July
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South African focus at the Biennale of Poets of Val-de-Marne
Invitation of 12 South African poets: Kgositsile Keorapetse, Vonani Bila, Robert Berold,
Ronelda Kamfer, Rustum Kozain, Karen Press, Joan Meterlerkamp, Gabeba Baderoon.
Mongane Wally Serote (only from the 24 to 27 May), Bulelani Zantsi, Finuala Dowling, Ari
Sitas + Denis Hirson (as poet and translator)
Several cities in Val de Marne (tbc) / 24 May to 1 June
○
Special evening dedicated to South African poetry (readings to take place indoor
and snacks / drinks outdoor)
Paris (13e) – Les Voûtes / 30 May
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Award Ceremony for Dulcie September Prize (for 3 scholars (between 11 and 14
years old) from Dulcie September College). In the presence of H.E. Mrs Dolana
Msimang, Ambassador of South Africa to France, as well as the following poets:
Kgositsile Keorapetse, Joan Meterlerkamp, Vonani Bila and Denis Hirson.
Arcueil – College Dulcie September / 31st May
June
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Sport // Rugby: Under 20 World Championship
Pays de la Loire province and Bretagne (Nantes, Vannes and La Roche-sur-Yon) / 5 - 23
June
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Cinema // South African presence at Festival du Film d’Animation d’Annecy
(Reciprocal project between Festival d’Annecy (FR) and Animation SA (SA). In 2012,
Kunjani’Mation welcomed a presence of Annecy and other French components).
Involvement of NFVF and Animation SA. South African pavilion at the MIFA (International
Market for Animation Film). Presence of 18 SA delegates, cocktail, and screenings of SA
films.
Annecy / 10 – 15 June
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Art Jewellery // “Translations, Art into jewellery”
Jewels inspired by artworks made by South African artists. Exhibition produced by Isa
Schwartz.
Paris – Espace Commines / opening on the 13 June
Exhibition runs from 13 to 26 June
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Contemporary dance // June Events Festival (Carolyn Carlson)
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Coloured / Chameleon / Dance by Desire Davids
Paris – Théâtre de l’Aquarium - La Cartoucherie / 13 June
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Point (1, 2, 3) by Lucky Kele
Paris - Théâtre de l’Aquarium - La Cartoucherie / 13 June
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Cabaret by Via Katlehong
Paris –Théâtre de l’Aquarium / 13 June
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Nkululeko by Via Kathleong
Paris - Berges de Seine / 14 – 15 June
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Visual arts // My Joburg at Maison Rouge
Maison Rouge – Foundation Antoine de Galbert is a private foundation located in the
centre of Paris. They propose an exceptional focus on the South African visual art scene:
1300 square meters dedicated to more than 40 artists.
Paris / opening on 19 June Exhibition runs from 20 June to 22 September
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Visual arts // Young Curators programme at Palais de Tokyo
Participation of two South African curators: Mikhael Subotzky and Anthea Buys
Paris – Palais de Tokyo / opening on the 20 June
Exhibition runs from 21 June to 9 September
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Contemporary dance // The Inkomati (dis)cord by Boyzie Cekwana and Panaïbra Gabriel
at Montpellier Danse
Montpellier - Théâtre la Vignette / 26 – 27 June
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Cinema // South African focus at Festival Paris Cinéma
Paris / 28 June – 9 July
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Official selection of South African films
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Tribute to William Kentridge comprising a retrospective of his films, a cine-concert
based on a creation by Phillip Miller, and a master class.
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Coproduction forum between French and South African film professionals, in the
framework of "Paris Project" in partnership with Durban Film Fest / FilmMart.
Possibility of involvement of NFVF and CNC, as they already run a coproduction
forum at DIFF 2012, as part of the French Season in SA.
July
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Photo // Transition (Social Landscape) at Rencontres d’Arles
(Reciprocal project between Rencontres d’Arles (FR) and Photo Market Workshop (SA): in
2012, exhibition at Market photo workshop)
Collaboration between 6 French and 6 South African photographers exploring
considerations of land and landscape in South Africa. The 6 SA photographers are: Santu
Mofokeng, Jo Ractliffe, Cedric Nunn, Zanele Muholi, Thabiso Sekgala, and Pieter Hugo.
Exhibition of photos by scholars from Francois Le Vaillant school in Cape Town, within the
framework of “Des Clics et des classes”.
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Arles / opening on 1 July
Opening week: 1 – 7 July (professional week / 1 dedicated evening at “Theatre Antique”
Exhibition runs from 1st July to 22nd September
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Performing arts + Visual arts // South African Focus at La Villette
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Music // South African Voices at Scènes d’été
Phuphuma Love Minus Choir and Sam Tshabalala
Paris - Parc de la Villette (outdoor) / 13 – 14 July
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More in September (Visual arts) and December (Theatre)
Classical Music // The Barrier vs le Mulâtre at Musiques Interdites
Re-creation of Jan Meyerowitz’ opera, performed by South African singers and the KZN
Philharmonic Orchestra
Marseille - Courtyard of the Prefecture / 11 July at sunset
Marseille – Northern Suburbs / 13 July
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Performing arts // South African presence at Festival d’Avignon
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Theatre - installation // Exhibit B by Brett Bailey
Avignon - Eglise des Célestins / 12 – 23 July
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Contemporary dance // Performance by Mamela Nyamza
Avignon
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Conference // with Wits researcher Achille Mbembe
Avignon
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Sans doute by Jean-Paul Delore
Involving 2 South African performers Nicholas Welch and Lindiwe Matshikiza
Avignon - Cloitre des Carmes / 21 - 24 July
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Performing arts // South African focus at Paris Quartier d’été
Paris (several venues) / 18 – 27 July
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Contemporary dance // Correspondence by Nelisiwe Xaba and Kettly Noel - 4
performances
Paris - Theatre 13 / 17 – 20 July
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Contemporary dance // Hatched by Mamela Nyamza - 4 performances
Paris - Theatre 13 / 17 - 20 July
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Music // Concert of the KZNPO *** See Mandela Day ***
Paris - Square Louise Michel / 18 July
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Theatre // Refuse the hours by William Kentridge - 5 performances.
Paris - Theatre Ephemere (as part of Comedie Francaise) / 23 - 27 July
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Nelson Mandela International Day
18 July
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Various major events planned
Music // South African jazz weekend at Paris Jazz festival
Paris - Parc Floral de Paris (Bois de Vincennes) / 20 and 21 July
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Marcus Wyatt (SA)
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Creation between Mo Laudi (SA) & French musicians
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Hugh Masekela (SA)
o
Blue Gene (SA / FR)
Music // South African focus at Festival de Martigues
Martigues / 22 – 30 July / Focus on 27 and 28 July (tbc)
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Sidlangaloludzala cultural troup and Mahotella Queens
Martigues - Scène flottante du Canal (2500 seats) / 27 July
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DJ set with Thandiswa (DJ King)
Martigues - Village du festival / 27 July
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Hugh Masekela + guests
Martigues - Scène flottante du Canal / 28 July
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2 conferences + exhibition of traditional musical instruments + SA gastronomy
September
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Visual Arts // Play Urban
(Reciprocal project between art schools Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin (FR) and Wits
School of Arts (SA): in 2012 a residency took place in South Africa).
The project consists in involving 2 art schools to organise 2 residencies one in France and
one in South Africa, research and experimentation around the city and the art in the city.
The residency in France will involve 15 South African people: 8 students, 5 artist / teachers
and one researcher.
Strasbourg (East of France) / September
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Music // Voix d’Afrique du Sud - Opening day Festival d’Ile de France
Big Time / Thomas Chauke / Madala Kunene / Simphiwe Dana / Bongeziwe Mabandla /
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Ray Phiri
Domaine de Villarceaux / 8 September
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Contemporary dance // Swan Lake by Dada Masilo at Theatre du Rond-Point
Theatre du Rond-Point (Paris) / Premiere 10 September
The show runs there from 11 September to 6 October, then touring twice in France
between September and December 2013, including Transcendanse
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Gastronomy // 100% South Africa evenings organised by Les Grandes Tables, in
partnership with Omnivore
One or several South African chefs invited to cook for a dinner on 3 occasions
Marseille - Restaurant “Les grandes tables”, Friche Belle de Mai / 1 evening between 11
and 15 September, as part of Festival Cuisines en friches
Calais - Restaurant “Les grandes tables”, Le Channel
Paris (104) - Restaurant “Les grandes tables”
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Visual Arts // South African presence at Biennale of Lyon
(Reciprocal project between Biennale of Lyon and the National Gallery in Cape Town: In
2012, “Rendez-vous 12” was organised at the National Gallery)
Lyon Biennale
Exhibition runs from 12 September to 5 January 2014
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Photo // 3 Generations
(Project between La Chambre (FR) Market Photo Workshop (SA) and Goodman Gallery
(SA)). David Goldblatt (venue TBC), Mikhael Subotzky (at La Chambre), and a young
photographer from the Market Photo Workshop
Strasbourg / opening date TBC
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Research // Exhibition on the tercentenary of birth of French astronomer Louis de la Caille
(Project between Observatoire de Paris (FR) and South African Astronomical Observatory
(SA)). Exhibition of Louis de la Caille manuscripts, showing the importance of his work in
South Africa. Translation in French of a biography by South African astronomer Ian Glass.
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Observatoire de Paris / 18 September – December
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Performing arts // South African focus at Festival d’Automne
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Traditional music // from KZN (Isicathamiya with the White Birds, Isigekle). 6
performances.
Paris - Theatre des Bouffes du Nord / 17-22 September
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Music // Xamissa
Creation of musical piece portraying Cape Town by Kyle Shepherd.
Paris - Theatre des Bouffes du Nord / 25 September
Vélizy - L’Onde, Théâtre de Vélizy-Villacoublay / 27 September
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Contemporary dance // “Uncles and Angels” by Nelisiwe Xaba
Paris - Theatre des Bouffes du Nord / 27 – 28 September
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Puppets // South African presence at Festival Mondial de la Marionnette
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Ouroboros by the Handspring Puppet Company
Inspired by the poetry of Billy Collins, Ouroboros is a love story about a poet
named Andre and a dancer called Nokobonisa. It features choreography by
Mamela Nyamza and original music by Neo Muyanga.
Charleville-Mézières / dates TBC between 20 and 29 September
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Sadako by the Heart Eyes Theatre Collective
Charleville-Mézières / dates TBC between 20 and 29 September
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Performing arts + Visual arts // South African Focus at La Villette
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Research // Series of workshops and seminars on water and environment – Safe Water
programme
Project between Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) (SA) and Université Paris Est
Creteil (UPEC) (FR)
October
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Performing arts // South African focus at Festival d’Automne
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Contemporary dance // Soweto by Mamela Nyamza
Paris - Musée du Quai Branly / 1 – 5 October
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Traditional music // from Cape Town (Cape Town traditional singers (direction
Anwar Gambeno), Fezeka Voices Youth Choir (direction Phumi Tsewu), Cape
Cultural Connexion (poetry, hip hop music) – debates, screenings with Denis
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Constant-Martin (MC). 4 performances.
Cergy-Pontoise / 4 October
Paris - Theatre de la Ville / 5 - 6 October
Orléans - Théâtre d’Orléans / 8 October
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Music // 5 South African composers (including Michael Blake Andile Khumalo,
Clare Loveday) + Mantombi Matotiyana together with “Ensemble l’Instant Donné”
Nogent-sur-Marne - Scène Watteau / 17 October
Paris – Ampithéâtre de l’Opéra Bastille / 19 October
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More in September
Music + Visual Arts // Sharp Sharp Joburg at Gaité Lyrique
Gaité Lyrique is dedicating one month to Johannesburg by showing the contemporary
art scene: 4 weekly slide shows by SA photographer, 4 week-ends of concerts, 4
afternoon of multidisciplinary meetings, 1 exhibition, 1 « sound system » minibus taxi, 1
gastronomy project, 1 books, videos and video games' selection, 1 selection of texts and
art works on their website, 1 graphic designer invited for the visual identity, publishing of
an audiobook and a day dedicated to kids on the last Sunday afternoon
Paris – Gaité Lyrique / 8 October – 2 November
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Music // Petite Noir - BLK JKS - Desmond & the tutus - DJ MO Laudi
Paris / 12 October (TBC)
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Music // Carte blanche to Tumi - Skip & Die
Paris / 19 October (TBC)
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Music // Soirée Shangaan, Carte blanche to Nozinja / Shangaan Electro
Paris / 26 October (TBC)
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Music // Carte blanche to Spoek Mathambo avec Spoek Mathambo / Dirty
Parraffin / DJ Aero Manyelo / DJ Spoko
Paris / 2 November (TBC)
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Conference // Overview of the economic and political state of South Africa before the
general elections in 2014
Paris - Institut Francais des Relations Internationales (IFRI) / November
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Gastronomy + Music + Cinema // South Africa and Western Cape guests of honour at the
Dijon Gastronomy Fair
Entire building, 1000 square meters, dedicated to South Africa: South African decoration,
restaurant (+kitchen), booths for SA exhibitors (including craft) and a stage for artistic /
cultural performances. In addition, the Western Cape Province is the first guest of the
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“œnotheque”, a new space within the Dijon fair dedicated to wine. The oenotheque will
host at least 10 vineyards (= approx. 100 different wines). Publishing of a magazine (in
English and French), 80% dedicated to South Africa. The magazine will be for sale.
Dijon / 31 October – 11 November
November
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Contemporary dance // South African focus at Maison de la Danse in Lyon
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Residency / Creation of Sophiatown by Via Kathleong
residency: Lyon / 27 October – 4 November
show: Lyon / 5 – 8 November
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Swan Lake by Dada Masilo
Lyon / 13 – 17 November
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Soweto by Mamela Nyamza
Lyon / 18 November
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Contemporary dance // South African focus at TranscenDanse
4th Biennale of dance and music in Loire-Atlantique
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Uncles & Angels and Sakhozi says “Non” to the Venus by Nelisiwe Xaba
Saint-Nazaire / 5 November
Nantes - Le lieu unique / 6 – 7 November
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Exit exists by Gregory Maqoma
Nantes - Le Grand T / 26 – 27 November
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Swan Lake by Dada Masilo
Nantes - Le Grand T / 29 – 30 November
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Beautiful me by Gregory Maqoma
Châteaubriant - Théâtre de Verre / 29 November
Pont-Château - Carré d’argent / 30 November
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Sophiatown and Cabaret by Via Kathleong
Pornichet - Quai des Arts / Machecoul - Théâtre de l’Espace de Retz / Ancenis Théâtre Quartier Libre / Saint-Mars-la-Jaille - Espace cuturel paul-Guimard /
Haute-Goulaine - le Quatrain/ 12 to 19 November
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Visual arts // Residency of 6 South African artists at FRAC Pays de la Loire
Carquefou / opening on the 15 November
South African curator, Nontobeko Ntombela selected 5 South African artists: Donna
Kukama, Made You Look (Molemo Moiloa & Nare Mokgotho), Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi, Pamela
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Phatsimo Sunstrum
Exhibition runs from 16 November to 2 February 2014 – Residency will take place from midSeptember to mid-November
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Performing arts + Visual arts // So Afrique du Sud at 104
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Theatre // House of Holy Afro by Brett Bailey
Paris - 104 / 19 – 21 November
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Theatre // Exhibit B by Brett Bailey
Paris - 104 / 25 – 28 November
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Visual arts // Oracle by Minette Vari
Paris - 104 / 18 September - 3 October
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cf December
Cinema // South African focus at 3 Continents Film Festival in Nantes
Nantes / 19 – 26 November
(Reciprocal project between 3 Continents Film Festival (FR) and Durban International Film
Festival (SA), based on partnership between sister cities Nantes and Durban. In 2012, 3
Continents organised a script development workshop with emerging African filmmakers
as part of DIFF)
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Mini residency for 3 young South African filmmakers to work on the script of their
long feature project
Nantes
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Focus on South Africa in cinema
Research // at Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle in Toulouse
Exhibition presenting facsimile of skeletons discovered in 2010 by Lee Burger at the Cradle
of Humankind, in South Africa
Toulouse, Museum d’Histoire Naturelle / November to December (dates TBC)
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Sport // Rugby: Test match France vs South Africa
Saint-Denis - Stade de France / 23 November
December
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Performing arts + Visual arts // South African Focus at La Villette
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Theatre// Township Stories by Paul Grootbom
Grande Halle / 10 – 14December
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Theatre// Rhetorical de Paul Grootbom
Grande Halle / 17 - 20 December
ENDS
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