Application forms are obtainable via the Baxter Theatre Centre's website at www.baxter.co.za; via email by contacting the festival administrator, Yandi Quwe, on yandi.quwe@uct.ac.za; fax on 021 680 3992, from the Baxter Theatre Centre's reception in the main foyer or from the Ikhwezi offices at the Baxter.
At the workshops, which form the foundation of the overall vision of the festival, participants are taken through their paces as they learn the finer tasks and duties of a director as well as pre-production planning, casting, rehearsals, opening nights, fund-raising, publicity, marketing and finance. Creative writing in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa is also included in the workshops. This process culminates in the three-week festival, which will take place in March 2010.
Even with an 11-year history, the festival is now on the brink of struggling to survive as one of South Africa's crucial theatre development platforms. Despite its phenomenal success, its future is now under threat owing to lack of funding. Next year's event has been downscaled to accommodate only a few productions because the present budget does not allow for more.
“This is indeed sad news for us and a terrible blow not only for our communities and theatre in general, but also for development in this country,” says Ikhwezi festival director Itumeleng Wa-Lehulere. “The incredible impact of the festival over the years on the broader theatre environment in this country is patently clear and bears testament to all that Ikhwezi stands for: developing, nurturing and mentoring the abundance of talent in our communities We call on any generous and caring individuals as well as companies and organisations in both the public and private sectors to come forward and secure the festival's future.”
The overall aims of the festival include developing critical thinking among audiences and theatre practitioners through the arts; popularising social programmes such as health, environment, education and human rights; using the arts to stimulate community initiatives; developing new playwrights in the Western Cape; and exposing new and up-and-coming actors, writers and directors to mainstream theatre.
To apply for participation in the Ikhwezi Theatre Festival's 12th season for the 2009-2010 periods or for further information on the festival, go to the Baxter Theatre Centre's website at www.baxter.co.za
For further information on sponsorship and partnership opportunities, contact Baxter Development Manager, Wendy Lessing on +27 (0) 21 680 3968, cell 082 9368513 or email or the festival director, Itumeleng Wa-Lehulere on +27 (0) 21 680 3980 or email
