Arts Faculty receives rave reviews at first-ever Red Mango Arts Festival

by Gerrit Bester

The Department of Performing Arts in the Faculty of Arts and Design showcased standout performances during the debut Red Mango Arts Festival, held from 8 to 11 October at Sastri College in Durban. The event celebrated South Africa’s cultural heritage with vibrant energy and memorable artistry.

Founded and directed by award‑winning actor and writer Rajesh Gopie, the festival was presented by Singabantu Creative Arts in association with Sastri College.

The line-up featured The Boy Friend, a Broadway musical revue presented by Performing Arts students and directed by Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of the Department.

By blending professional artistry with community participation, the festival aimed to establish itself as a signature event on South Africa’s cultural calendar, honouring history, celebrating diversity and inspiring future generations to see the arts as a vehicle for personal and social transformation.

In a letter addressed to Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, Gopie and his team thanked the faculty for its pivotal role in the festival’s success.

“The partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology was integral to the festival’s performance programming and technical execution, particularly through the inclusion of The Boy Friend and the provision of equipment and technical support,” he wrote.

Gopie praised Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, her team of student performers and Sydney Agnew, choreographer and lecturer, for their outstanding work. He commended Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s dual role as teacher and director, noting her ability to draw excellence from her students.

“As a director myself, I am all too familiar with the challenges of putting on work the size of The Boy Friend and the countless hours of rehearsal and team management that has to happen before the show even hits the stage. Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s dedication is rare and indicates the aurum (outstanding) calibre of your Head of Performance.”

“The production was warmly received by audiences and praised widely across social media platforms. Many of our audience members had not previously experienced musical theatre of this calibre and the response was overwhelmingly positive. My inbox is inundated with praise for the production.”

Gopie also acknowledged lecturer Wandile Mgcodo and his technical team for their dedication and professionalism. “Their support throughout the festival was invaluable and students reflected the high standard of training at TUT. They were faultless in execution of their tasks and organisational expertise.”

Staff members and celebrated performing artists Prof Karendra Devroop and Dr Roland Moses were also recognised for their world-class performances at the finale variety concert. “Their artistry set a benchmark for future festivals and reminded us of the exceptional talent within your institution.”

“TUT has more than fulfilled the expectations outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding and we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism and spirit your faculty brought to the event,” Gopie added.

“It is my hope that this partnership continues to grow, allowing us to further the shared goals of artistic excellence and educational enrichment. We look forward to welcoming TUT once again to the Red Mango Arts Festival 2026, provisionally scheduled for 29 July.”

Asked about the experience of being part of the festival, Prof Moodley and Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, said:

Prof Moodley: “This collaboration with the Red Mango Arts Festival demonstrates the importance the Faculty of Arts and Design places on community engagement and the provision of meaningful real-world experiences for our students. This exposure in KwaZulu-Natal is a wonderful way to generate new audiences for the faculty as we spread our creative footprint across the country. The hospitality extended to our staff and students was indeed as warm as the Indian ocean and we look forward to future engagements that will enrich both parties.”

Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni: “The Red Mango Arts Festival was more than a showcase of talent; it was a celebration of humanity, love and the unifying power of the performing arts.

“The festival stood as a radiant testament to the transformative power of the performing arts: A space where creativity met compassion and where the stage became a mirror reflecting the soul of the community.

“Under the visionary leadership of Rajesh Gopie, the festival blossomed into a celebration of togetherness, culture and shared humanity. The musical, The Boy Friend, was reimagined through characters that spoke directly to the hearts of the community, reminding us that theatre is at its best when it reflects the people who watch it. The production became a vibrant tapestry woven from dedication, creativity and shared dreams. The creative team and students poured their souls into every line, every step, every note, not for applause, but for the joy of connection.

“Supported by the inspiration and guidance of Prof Moodley the festival became not just an event, but a living example of transformation and engagement.

“Red Mango proved that community festivals are not just about performance, but about belonging, healing and celebrating the beautiful diversity and the reaffirmation of our shared humanity through the performing arts.”

In October, Sastri College in Durban came alive with standout performances showcasing South Africa's rich cultural heritage during the Red Mango Arts Festival. The Department of Performing Arts delivered unforgettable moments. These five photos capture the heart of the celebration, a testament to the power of live performance and community spirit.