Zabalaza Theatre Festival starts talent search

The search for some of the best talent in the Western Cape is on for the Zabalaza mini festival, which hopes to feature a jam-packed line-up, showcasing some of the most outstanding talent from in and outside of the province, mostly selected from the eight mini-festivals to be held from 16 January to 7 February, 2016.

Starting off in Robertson on Saturday, 16 January, the first of the mini festivals will take place at Nkqubela Community Hall, followed by Stellie's Lounge, Khayamandi in Stellenbosch on Sunday, 17 January - both events kick off at 10am. Thereafter the search continues at the Makukhanye Art Room, Khayelitsha on Saturday, 23 January and Black Box Theatre in Delft on Sunday, 24 January. On Saturday, 30 January, Alexander Sinton High School in Athlone will host the mini festival and then on Sunday, 31 January, it is Cedar Secondary School's turn, in Mitchell's Plain. The final weekend for the search takes place at Guga S'thebe in Langa on Saturday, 6 February, and Zolani Centre in Nyanga East on Sunday, 7 February. Entrance to these venues will be free except for Robertson where the cost will be R10.

Zabalaza Theatre Festival starts talent search

From the participating productions seen during the mini festivals, the final selection for the Zabalaza Theatre Festival, which takes place from 11 to 19 March, will be made.

Zabalaza Weekend

The festival kicks off with the Zabalaza Weekend on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 March, when all venues and spaces at the Baxter Theatre Centre will pulsate with dynamic and diverse artistic activities. This will be followed by the Main Programme from Monday, 14 to Friday, 19 March daily and culminates in the award ceremony on Saturday. Here the best of the festival production will be selected, along with several other awards in various categories. The winner will receive a full run at the Baxter later in the year.

The festival has received great acclaim over the years since it was launched in 2011 when it saw an overhaul that resulted in a new name, managing team, vision, format and programme designed to showcase new and up-and-coming 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.

For further enquiries or more information contact Zoleka Helesi on +27 (0)21 680 3980, fax +27 (0)21 689 1880 or email az.ca.tcu@iseleh.akeloz or az.ca.tcu@azalabazretxab. Alternatively, go to www.baxter.co.za www.facebook.com/zabalazafestival