DCAS introduces rural talent to Zabalaza Theatre Festival

The sixth annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival was launched on 11 March 2016 at the Baxter Theatre Centre. This week long festival is widely regarded as one of the premier development platforms in the country and has received great acclaim over the years. The name of the festival means “striving towards success”.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), in partnership with the Baxter Theatre, has been discovering and investing in talented youth through the Eden, Cape Winelands and Overberg Drama Festivals. These emerging participants are now showcasing their talents on a professional stage at the Baxter Theatre.

''This year's festivals produced some of the most developed and exciting productions over the past five years and the results were evident in the amount of nominees selected from the DCAS beneficiaries", says Cultural Officer Moeniel Jacobs.

Three groups were selected to perform at the Main Festival and five groups participated in the Zabalaza Weekend fringe showcase.

"It was a chance of a lifetime to be on a professional stage for the first time", says 17 year old Robyn September from Heidelberg. "Die naweek was baie effektief en opvoedkundig", says 18 year old Samuel Jumat from George.

The nominees in the various categories for productions in 2016 are as follows.

• Most Promising Actress: Asemahle Nkone in I can be your fairytale
• Most Promising Actor: Llewelyn Bond in Affie Kleinplaas and Kananelo Buthelezi in Endless End
• Best script: Herman Witbooi for Slavery at the Cape
• Best Director: Peter Takelo for Slavery at the Cape
• Best Actress: Sinesipho Dayimani in Turning Point
• Best Supporting Actress: Robyn September in Andrea
• Best Script: Affie Kleinplaas by Samuel Jumat
• Best Actor:  William Michaels in Andrea
• Best Ensemble:  Andrea - Genagetix
• Best Production Zabalaza Weekend: Slavery at the Cape in Net Vir Pret

The development programmes of DCAS in the rural communities provide opportunities for talented youth to perform in a professional environment and to consider following a career in the arts.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on 19 March 2016 at the Baxter Theatre Centre. Let's keep our fingers crossed for our nominees.