Red Mango Arts Festival: Celebrating 165 years of Indian heritage and culture
Expect a vibrant hub of multicultural theatre, music, and comedy
Roti Queen explores life's choices through the lens of a woman baking roti for her anniversary dinner.
Image: Supplied
THE inaugural Red Mango Arts Festival is set to captivate audiences in Greyville as it celebrates 165 years of Indian heritage in Natal.
From October 8 to 11, the festival will transform Sastri College into a vibrant hub of multicultural theatre, music, and comedy, promising a unique artistic experience that honours the rich legacy of South African Indians.
This festival is the visionary creation of internationally-acclaimed actor and acting coach Rajesh Gopie, whose deep passion for storytelling and the spirit of his home city has culminated in a thoughtfully curated programme.
“The festival is a heartfelt theatre-led tribute to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of South African Indians,” said Gopie.
“It’s where legacy meets innovation, and where stories once silenced are given a powerful voice.”
The festival aims to honour South African Indian heritage through performances that reflect the past, while engaging audiences in the present. Highlighted by a line-up of significant works rarely seen in Durban, the festival will focus on intergenerational voices and narratives around personal and cultural identity.
Among the notable offerings are a major musical alongside two productions specifically targeting young audiences, a captivating magic show, and a dynamic cultural concert.
Wednesday and Thursday will feature age-appropriate theatre and workshops, designed to spark imagination and honour cultural memory for both pupils and seniors alike.
Wednesday's programme includes Adi Paxton’s presentation of The Great Family Adventure at 11am, followed by Sthandwa and the Nature Thieves by Ralf Lawson at 12.15pm.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, the Broadway musical The Boy Friend will take centre stage at 11am, presenting a modern twist on a classic love story, before transitioning to the comedic drama Roti Queen by Shika Budhoo at 1pm, and the historical comedy Out of Bounds by Gopie at 7.30pm.
The Boy Friend tells the story of a low-budget musical revue where the assistant stage manager steps in as an understudy, leading to unexpected fame and romance, while Budhoo’s Roti Queen explores life's choices through the lens of a woman baking roti for her anniversary dinner. Gopie’s Out of Bounds offers a humorous glimpse into the life of Lal Lachund, a young Indian man navigating family dynamics in 1980s South Africa through the portrayal of 28 diverse characters.
Thursday will be the premiere of Letters of Suresh, a poignant four-hander by Pulitzer-nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph. This introspective work reflects on identity and the lost art of letter writing, revealing intimate stories shared between strangers, friends, and loved ones. This production features accomplished actors Budhoo, Sahil Samlal, Shika Maharaj, and Ralph Lawson.
The festival will also include special family productions, with Why Magic! by Samlal taking place on Saturday at 11.15am. The event will culminate with a closing variety concert titled The Gathering - 165 years! at 6.30pm, showcasing talents like Karendra Devroop, Melvin Peters, and more.
For those eager to immerse themselves in this celebration of South African Indian culture, tickets and details regarding the full line-up are available on Webtickets. The festival embodies a powerful reminder of the importance of heritage, connection, and the stories that shape our shared identity.