Cailyb Prinsloo’s Covid-era play leaves audiences stunned at National Arts Fest

National Arts Festival

Live performance of ‘What Do You Think the Birds Are Doing’

By Anda Tolibadi

Makhanda – The National Arts Festival officially kicked off in the vibrant town of Makhanda, bringing together a rich mix of talent from across South Africa and around the world.

The event features a blend of seasoned performers and rising local stars.

Now in its 51st edition, the festival — which began on Thursday, 26 June — remains a dynamic hub for creatives and art lovers alike, offering a platform to showcase and celebrate artistic expression in all its forms.

One of the standout performances this week was What Do You Think the Birds Are Doing, a thought-provoking stage play by Cailyb Prinsloo.

Originally from East London and now based in Cape Town, Cailyb delves into the idea of an impending apocalypse and the fear it provokes — a subtle, poignant reflection on the emotional toll left behind by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I wrote the story in 2021 as a way to process the pandemic, but I chose not to reference it directly.

“Instead, I wanted to capture the emotional landscape without explicitly saying it was about the pandemic” she said.

At the time of writing her play, Cailyb was completing her Honours in Drama at Rhodes University and drew heavily from her personal experiences to shape the piece.

“I wanted to write something that reflected my anxieties during that period and reminded me that things weren’t as bleak as they seemed in the media — that even in the chaos, there could still be a happy ending,” she said.

The festival is more than just a space for entertainment — it stands as a powerful platform where artists can confront and engage with pressing personal, national and global issues.

For creatives like Cailyb, the National Arts Festival is a cherished event and a vital opportunity to share their work.

“It’s my favourite place.

“Experiencing the festival as a creator is incredible.

“Everything feels like a blur — it’s intense and overwhelming at times — but you still get the chance to meet amazing artists, connect with people, and most importantly, make theatre.

“And yes, in terms of exposure, it’s really great.

“As someone who studied in Makhanda, it’s etched in my heart” she said.

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