Young theatre makers take centre stage
Best of townships to shake the Baxter
THE Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival celebrates a decade of development and outreach this year, and its programme will include 42 works by over 700 dynamic theatre-makers.
Curated by artistic director Mdu Kweyama and co-ordinated by Zoleka Helesi with Bongile Mantsai as an associate member, this year’s festival is from March 7 to 13.
As part of the celebration, Zabalaza will also take some shows to communities in Khayelitsha and Kraaifontein to encourage greater audience participation.
“The Zabalaza festival has enabled and empowered young theatremakers who otherwise might not have the opportunity to have their works recognised at this level,” said Baxter chief executive and artistic director, Lara Foot.
“This investment in the future of the arts continues this mission in that it contributes to the door takings for each show, which go straight back to the groups and artists performing, which in turn encourages more innovative works from our communities,” Foot said.
The main festival is from March 9 to 13, with daily shows at 10am, 11.30am, 4.30pm and 7pm during the week.
The productions were the strongest chosen from four mini festivals at the end of 2019 in Khayelitsha, Delft, Nyanga and Kraaifontein.
The Family Carnival Weekend jump-starts the festival on March 7, curated for the enjoyment of the whole family.
“An array of activities and shows will be on offer with every space in the Baxter pumping with performances and fun events. In our newly renovated garden, a band will contribute to the festivities on the Saturday. Kids will be entertained with jumping castles and face-painting, while the rest of the family can enjoy the food, clothing and accessory stores,” organisers said.
Nine of the Best of Zabalaza winners play scripts have been published through a partnership with Junket
Publishers. In this way, a growing body of plays that are accessible, relevant and artistically skilful are easily available to communities, schools, other educational institutions and theatre groups. These are Die 9de Maand by Tyron Zoutman, Ukuwa KweNkaba by Mthombisi Mpandle, Onweer by Carlo Daniels (2018), Thobani Nzuza’s
Boy Ntulikazi (2017), Lauren Hannies’ TIP-ex (2016), Fruit by Paul Noko (2015), The Champion by Khayalethu Anthony (2014), Skierlik by Phillip Dikotla (2013), and Worst of Both Worlds by Bulelani Mabutyana (2012).
The full festival programme can be viewed on the Baxter’s website at www. baxter.co.za