Deadline for Zabalaza Theatre Festival applications extended

THE call for applications for the Baxter’s Zabalaza Theatre Festival has been extended to September 29 at 5pm. Theatre-makers, directors, script writers, community groups and theatre companies are encouraged to apply.

The eighth annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival will take place from March 9 to 16 next year. It is widely regarded as one of the premier development platforms in the country. Launched in 2011 with a new name, managing team and vision, the programme is designed to showcase new and upcoming talent that may otherwise not be seen on professional stages.

The full name, Zabalaza Intsika eBaxter Theatre means striving towards being a pillar of the Baxter Theatre Centre and striving towards success.

Since its inception the festival has grown as the organisers pay special attention to innovation and expanding the programme.

Previous Best Production winners are Uhlazo by Loyiso Damoyi (2011), Worst of Both Worlds by Bulelani Mabutyana (2012), Skierlik by Phillip Dikotla (2013), The Champion by Khayalethu Anthony (2014), Paul Noko’s Fruit (2015), TIP-ex by Lauren Hannie (2016) and Boy Ntulikazi by Thobani Nzuza this year.

These productions went on to be staged at festivals and events in the Western Cape. Skierlik received two Fleur du Cap nominations and Khayalethu Anthony won the Fleur du Cap award for Best Performance in a review, cabaret or one-person show for The Champion.

Productions selected from applications received for 2018 will first be auditioned and will then be invited for Zabalaza mini-festivals planned for January and February, when the final 2018 line-up will be selected.

Auditions take place from next month to December, so artists are urged to apply soon.

The festival organisers are looking for one or two-handers, children’s theatre productions, puppetry, musical theatre, drama, comedy, physical theatre and storytelling.

Previous participants are also welcome to apply should writers feel that there is a space for their work to grow at the festival.The funding available will determine how many can be accepted.

Preference will be given to productions from the Western Cape and groups from elsewhere will be invited at the judge’s discretion.

Entry forms may be obtained from the festival office at the Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch.

They can also be downloaded from www.baxter.co.za or www.facebook.com/zabalazafestival.