Mzansi Fela 2011 festival

The festival is the State Theatre's arts programme, which brings together the best acts in the country to perform on one of the biggest stages in Tshwane. It started in 2007 and is regarded in the arts community as the training ground for upcoming artists as well as a platform for established artists. It features music, dance, theatre, poetry and comedy performed by local artists and runs until 12 December.

The festival kicks off on 1 December with a march from the Union Buildings to the State Theatre, where the official opening will take place, with various free performances at Lillian Ngoyi Square. Mzansi Fela Festival is a colourful event that features drum majorettes, traditional groups and jive puppets in its opening to drum up support from Tshwane residents. Well known DJ Cleo will spin the discs.

On 2 December, renowned South African band The Parlotones will perform at the theatre's opera stage. The Parlotones are known for their inflection sound that is reflected in their albums such as Live Design, Stardust Galaxies and A World Next Door To Yours. Thandiswa Mazwai will perform on 3 December, adding to the festival's interesting line-up. Judith Sephuma and Mathapelo perform on Sunday, 4 December. Lira will perform on 9 and 10 December.

The festival also features comedians such as Kedibone Molaudzi, Donovan Goliath, Roni Modimola, Justice Kubheka, Jacques Barrett (Australia), and Carl Joshua Ncube (Zimbabwe), who will take to the drama stage on December1. On 11 December, the drama stage will host gospel by Winnie Mashaba and Bafana Ba Sebesho.

Theatre lovers will be able to watch productions such as Money Maker, by Julian Seleke-Mokoto, Love at First Fight, presented by Follow Spot Productions, Lime Lights on Rites, presented by Ntsoana Contemporary Dance, and Rhetorical, directed by the State Theatre's resident director, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. Theatre performances will take place between 2 to 12 December and will be staged at the Arena Theatre.

Moving Into Dance Mophatong will present a four-dance piece on Inception, Silent Departure, Inside and Fractured2 from 9 to 11 December, also at the Arena Theatre.

Rock bands playing at the Rendezvous Theatre will include the likes of Outside The New, Son of 1000 Blues, The Christian Heath Band, NeVaMe and Chiba Fly on 10 December.

On 3 December, Kgafela Oa Magogodi, Lefifi Tladi, Napo Masheane and Afurukan will present poetry at the Rendezvous Theatre.

Hip hop lovers will be entertained by Black Coffee on December 9, at the Old Capello Restaurant at The State Theatre. In the Momentum Theatre, community theatre groups will showcase their works during the day, from 2 to 9 December.

Tickets can be bought through Computicket, from R100 to R220.

Date: 01 December 2011 to 12 December 2011
Venue: SA State Theatre, 301 Church Street, Pretoria