Applications are open for Zabalaza Theatre Festival

Thobani Nzuza in Boy Ntulikazi by Thobani Nzuza in the 2017 Zabalaza Theatre Festival.

The Baxter’s Zabalaza Theatre Festival is calling for applications from theatre-makers, directors, script writers, community groups and theatre companies to participate in the 2018 Zabalaza Theatre Festival.

The deadline for applications is Monday September 18.

The eighth annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival will take place from March 9 to 16 next year.

The format and 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 loosely translated, means two things: striving towards being a pillar of the Baxter Theatre Centre and striving towards success.

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 in 2014, Paul Noko’s Fruit in 2015, TIP-ex by Lauren Hannie in 2016, and Boy Ntulikazi by Thobani Nzuza in 2017.

Productions that are selected from applications received for 2018 will first be auditioned and will then be invited to participate in the Zabalaza mini-festivals, which are planned for January and February, when the final selection for the 2018 line-up will be made.

Auditions take place from October through to December 2017, so artists are urged to apply early.

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

Entry forms can 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. Arrangements will also be made for application forms to be sent to the Makukhanye Art Room in Khayelitsha, Zolani Centre in Nyanga, as well as the Delft Rent Office.

For more information about the festival contact Lauren Hannie on 021 680 3980, fax 021 689 1880 or email lauren.hannie@uct.ac.za