The University of Namibia’s Performing Arts Showcase returns to the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), giving students a platform to present original music, dance, and drama to live audiences.
The two-day event will take place on 23 and 24 October at the NTN in Windhoek, with an additional public workshop scheduled for 25 October.
Now in its fourth year, the showcase week has become a key platform for final-year performing arts students to present their original work to live audiences.
The programme features a diverse mix of music, drama, and dance, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their creative and technical abilities in a professional theatre setting.
According to NTN general manager Alma Ulamba, the collaboration highlights the theatre’s ongoing commitment to developing Namibia’s performing arts industry.
“The Unam showcase is an essential element of the National Theatre of Namibia’s commitment to developing the performing arts sector,” Ulamba says.
“By ensuring that students and young artists have ongoing access to professional theatre spaces, we equip them with the experience, exposure, and confidence they need to grow. This initiative represents our renewed mandate to nurture talent and create sustainable opportunities within the Namibian creative industry.”
Since its inception, the showcase week has premiered more than 20 original student works and introduced over 30 emerging performers to the national stage.
It has grown into an important fixture on the arts calendar, bridging the gap between academic training and professional performance.
This year’s programme opens tomorrow with music and drama night at 18h00.
The line-up includes performances by the Unam brass band, Mbira artists, the Unam Choir, and a devised theatre production titled ‘Lines’, directed by Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja.
Drawing inspiration from the Sister Namibia archives, ‘Lines’ explores feminist narratives through movement, storytelling, and live performance.
Thursday evening will highlight dance, movement and music.
Senior students will debut original choreography pieces such as ‘Echoes of the Ancients’, ‘The Puppeteers’ Secret’, and ‘The Hollow Vein: In the Wake of Her’.
The Unam Band will close the event with a high-energy live performance celebrating rhythm and movement.
A free public improvisation workshop will conclude the week on Saturday from 10h00 to 13h00 at the NTN dance rehearsal room.
Facilitated by Mushaandja, the session welcomes actors, dancers, and anyone interested in creative movement.
Those wishing to attend can RSVP at pro@ntn.org.na by tomorrow.
Tickets to the showcase are priced at N$50, available via Webtickets Namibia (online and at all Model stores nationwide).
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
