The Iziko Museums of Cape Town has opened two great exhibitions this month – both focusing on Cape Town’s unique Minstrel’s Carnival.
The first Ghoema & Glitter: New Year Carnival in Cape Town exhibition is at the Iziko Good Hope Gallery at the Castle of Good Hope. This is a unique exhibition that documents this historical carnival, which has its roots in slavery in the Cape.
There is a strong focus on oral history and the exhibition includes photos, artworks, words, sound and video. It runs till 31 January 2011.
New Year Carnival and the Alibama exhibition has opened at the recently upgraded Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum.
Displaying New Year Carnival and the Alibmama at the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum signifies the neighbourhood’s important role in terms of the history and geography of the carnival. Cape Town carnival is an urban phenomenon with marching routes which historically linked the two largest inner-city residential areas; namely the Bo-Kaap and District Six.
New Year Carnival and the Alibama introduces the history of Cape Town’s ‘Tweede Nuwe Jaar’ Carnival by particularly exploring the stories behind the famous Afrikaans song Daar kom die Alibama, created in Cape Town during the second half of the 19th century. This song is traditionally sung by Klopse and Nagtroepe (Malay Choirs) and played to a ghoema (drum) rhythm. This exhibition showcases the rare flag of the Confederate States of America flown on the steamship CSS Alabama, which was donated to the South African Museum in the 1920s.
New Year Carnival and the Alibama run at the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum from 15 June until 30 November 2010. The exhibition can be viewed Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 until 17:00. Visitors 16 years and older pay R10, while 16 years and under are welcomed for free. South African pensioners, school learners and students pay R5. Free entrance on selected commemorative days.
The Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum recently underwent extensive renovations and upgrading. The museum is now wheel-chair friendly, with a ramp allowing disabled visitors to enter via the courtyard. The museum also has a lift, ensuring access to the community hall.
For more information please visit www.iziko.org.za. Enquiries can be directed to Fiona Clayton on 021 464 1267, or e-mail fclayton@iziko.org.za. Alternatively, please contact Katie Mooney on 021 464 1262 or e-mail kmooney@iziko.org.za, or Shanaaz Galant on 021 464 1276 or e-mail sgalant@iziko.org.za.
