Out of Africa come vibes

Twenty years of democracy in South Africa will be celebrated when Afrovibes, a biennial festival of theatre, music, dance and film, takes over The Dukes in Lancaster next week.

Afrovibes is a chance for local audiences to enjoy the very best South African contemporary performances from November 3-9.

The Dukes Café Bar will become a Township Café during the festival, serving African food and drinks and hosting free events and activities.

The festival kicks off in the Township Café on November 3 with a free taster performance from top South African vocalists, The Soil, and The Dukes’ own Township Café Choir.

The Soil will be singing a full-length concert on November 4 combining a mixture of musical styles from township jazz and hip-hop to afro-pop and afro-soul.

The awardwinning, platinum-selling trio come to Afrovibes 2014 direct from the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

The life, death and legacy of inspirational anti-apartheid campaigner, Steve Biko, is the focus of Biko’s Quest which will be staged on November 5 and 6.

This powerful large cast production takes the audience on an emotional journey through danced storytelling.

A special screening of Khumba takes place on November 9 as part of the festival. This South African animation is about a half-striped zebra who embarks on a daring quest to earn his stripes.

For more information Box office: 01524 598500 or www.dukes-lancaster.org

David Upton