As previously, the festival features productions from KZN communities that have received performance and theatre skills training from professional arts practitioner. The productions that will feature on this year's CAF roster are: a triple bill featuring Talking Spirit, Umlabalaba and Zion (Programme 1); and Sugar Daddies (Programme 2).
"Fostering developmental work within our arts community forms a vital part of the Playhouse Company's mandate. In staging our fourth annual Community Arts Festival, we are proud once again to present a line-up of works drawn from KZN performing arts groups," said Playhouse Company chief executive and artistic director Linda Bukhosini.
"To facilitate this project, we have again contracted a team of professional mentors, specialists in stagecraft, script writing, music, dance, choreography and other industry-related skills, to guide the community artists we are working with, helping them to take their productions, which bravely deal with important human issues, to the next level."
Industry professionals signed by The Playhouse Company to work with this year's community artists include: Edmund Mhlongo (mentor and director); Ralph Lawson (directing and acting); Caroline Smart (voice production); Peter Gardner (agents and auditions), Juan Burgers (music and singing); Ashwin Singh (script writing, contracts and copyright); Peter Court (masks and physical theatre), Dr Emma Durden (administration & artistic management), Megan Levy (stage management), and Nkanyiso Kunene and Sandile Mbili (movement and dance).
Umlabalaba (named after a board game) is a two-hander, scripted and directed by Mfanafuthi Mbokazi, who appears opposite Sandile Mazibuko. Devised as an analogy for government, this piece takes a caring look at the common man.
Sixteen years after achieving democracy, many black people are still without employment. Two friends have been without work since completing matric. One day, while playing Umlabalaba, they decide to join a local drama group in an attempt to turn their lives around despite the fact that the odds are stacked against them.
Zion, a Newcastle Arts Development project, is directed by Phelelani Mzimela. When a man is wounded in his own psychological development he is not able to give his daughter the care and guidance she needs. Zion, inheriting these wounds from her father, finds her ability to express herself professionally, intellectually, sexually and socially impaired. At the age of 25 Zion is embarking on a journey to break the bitter cycle in order to rejoice in her womanhood. This piece is performed by Nomasonto Dlamini, Thembeni Mpungose, Slindokuhle Mthethwa, Lethabo Nong, Paballo Sithe and Mxolisi Sibiya.
Talking Spirit, an Emuhle All Artists project, speaks about the hard-hitting issues of abortion, correctional rape and murder that often results from this. It is directed by Bongani Baai and performed by Londiwe Cele, Nomathemba Kawula, Sanelisiwe Mabine, Zakithi Mavundla, Nozuko Ncayiyane and Londiwe Ngwazi.
The programme of three works can be seen in the Playhouse Loft Theatre from 11 to 13 April with performances at 11am, 2pm and 6pm. Admission is free.
Sugar Daddies looks head-on at the social issue widely prevalent today ofolder, often married, men with financial means having very young girlfriends. These girls are often seeking a way to achieve a better lifestyle without considering the consequences and implications of their actions. The irresponsible behaviour of these older men, sugar daddies, brings ruin to the lives of their own families and those of the young women they engage with. This work is directed by Edmund Mhlongo with a cast that includes: Ngcebo Cele, Heather Gielink, Annalisa Gxabu, Vumani Khumalo, Nompilo Maphumulu, Phumlani Ngubane, Sandile Nxumalo and Snelisiwe Radebe.
Sugar Daddies can be seen in The Playhouse Loft Theatre from 17 to 20 April. Performances are at 11am, 2pm and 6pm. Admission is free. The production will also tour to schools and communities in KZN.
