The October International Theatre Festival recently kicked off at the Mbabane Theatre Club in Eswatini, bringing together more than 20 schools for a three-day programme of practical training and performances. The festival, which ran from October 1-3, focused on theatre, dance, poetry, creative writing, and directing. Young performers had the opportunity to learn from established African theatre practitioners, including Mozambican choreographer Alexandre Dos Santos and South African actor Hamilton Dlamini.
Dos Santos led dance masterclasses, while Dlamini conducted theatre training sessions, covering topics such as listening, teamwork, mental preparation, dialogue, and character development. The sessions provided learners with a chance to learn directly from professionals who have worked in the performing arts industry. Dlamini challenged participants to move beyond simply memorising lines, using practical exercises to help them understand how actors respond to characters and situations on stage.
The festival also built on an emerging pattern of regional exchange among young performers. Some participating learners had previously travelled to Mbombela, South Africa, where they took part in Igazi, a production that saw them work alongside South African actor Phindy ‘The Real Queen’. This opportunity was facilitated through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture. The participating schools had earned their places after performing well in the Inyatsi Schools Arts Drama and Theatre Competition.
Among the schools that participated in the festival were Vulamasango High School, Swazi National High School, and Ngomane Primary School. The festival's programme featured workshops covering various aspects of the performing arts, including dance, poetry, creative writing, directing, and children's theatre. Learners were also introduced to other careers within the creative sector, such as choreography, costume design, lighting, sound, film, digital content, and event production.
Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Board Chairperson Penelope Mkhwanazi, speaking on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, encouraged the young creatives to use their talents to tell local stories and represent their culture beyond Eswatini's borders. Mkhwanazi said that opportunities such as the festival could help young people recognise the value of their voices and stories.
The festival also featured performances by the participating schools, including Ngomane Primary School's presentation of ‘Tibi Tendlu’ and another production that explored the history of King Cetshwayo kaMpande and the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. The programme brought young performers together with experienced practitioners from across the region, providing a platform for them to learn from and network with one another.
The October International Theatre Festival concluded after a successful three-day programme, having provided a valuable opportunity for young performers to learn from established African theatre practitioners and showcase their talents. The festival demonstrated the potential for regional exchange and collaboration among young performers, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the development of the performing arts in Eswatini.
Key points
- The festival brought together over 20 schools for practical training and performances led by African practitioners.
- The programme featured workshops covering various aspects of the performing arts, including dance, poetry, and creative writing.
- The festival encouraged young creatives to use their talents to tell local stories and represent their culture beyond Eswatini's borders.
