Stars line up for Baxter arts gala

MORE than 200 renowned artists and arts leaders from around the world will gather at the Baxter Theatre Centre later this month to attend the prestige Rolex Arts Weekend.

On February 8 and 9, the Arts Weekend will include a series of public events, talks, readings, exhibitions and performances, including two world premieres, and will feature the work of the 2018−19 protégés of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with their mentors.

The two-day celebration is the culmination of the current cycle of the programme, which pairs master artists with emerging artists in several disciplines for a period of creative exchange in a one-to-one mentoring relationship.

“The Baxter is a most appropriate venue for the Arts Weekend,” Rolex Arts Initiative head Rebecca Irvin said.

“Not only is it known for presenting a variety of progressive works, it is led by chief executive and artistic director Lara Foot, herself a former protégée of the theatre great Sir Peter Hall in the 2004−5 series,” Irvin added.

To be able to host the 2020 Rolex Arts Weekend was an honour, Foot said.

“This is certainly one of the most distinguished and vital international programmes for young artists. As the years go by, I find that my year-and-a half with Peter, nearly 15 years ago, has become richer and more meaningful.

“As I become more of a mentor and as my writing evolves and I take on bigger challenges with my directing, I find that the time with my mentor becomes more recent.

“So, in a sense it never really finished, it never really ended.”

This year the Rolex Arts Weekend is being curated by Fruzsina Szép, the Hungarian-born Festival and Artistic Director of Lollapalooza Berlin, who also served as an Arts Initiative nominator, helping to identify suitable potential protégés for the programme in 2018−19.

Highlights over the weekend include dance, architecture, literature, music, arts symposia and cinema. The Saturday is dedicated to dance and architecture and Sunday to literature and music.

Booking is now open to attend any of the events, discussions or the symposia, through Webtickets, online at www.webtickets.co.za, or at Pick n Pay stores. Ticket prices are R100 and R50 for students.

All proceeds will go the Baxter’s Zabalaza Theatre Festival. |