The October International Theatre Festival has commenced in Eswatini, featuring an influx of young talent and international artistic collaboration. The festival's opening phase, Genesis Ekucaleni School of Creative Arts, has brought together learners and teachers from 20 schools for an immersive celebration of storytelling, movement, and performance. The event is currently taking place at the Mbabane Theatre Club.
International collaboration is a key aspect of the festival, with renowned Mozambican choreographer Alexandre Dos Santos leading the dance tracks and acclaimed South African actor Hamilton Dlamini steering the theatrical arts curriculum. Supplementary creative writing, poetry, and directing workshops are also unfolding across the American Corner Mbabane and Yini Loku.
The festival's focus on skills development is evident in Hamilton Dlamini's masterclasses, which emphasize the foundational pillars of stagecraft, including acute listening skills, mental conditioning, ensemble teamwork, and the discipline of mastering dialogue. Dlamini's approach aims to equip student actors with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry.
Many of the learners participating in the festival are champions from the Inyatsi Schools Theatre Competition, including Swazi National High School and Ngomane Primary. They have had the opportunity to collaborate with Dlamini at the IGAZI play hosted in Mbombela, which was organized by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture.
During the masterclasses, Dlamini provided learners with different characters to act out, helping them develop the confidence to fit into any role and be successful in the industry. He also shared valuable advice on crying on cue and thinking of distressing situations to articulate emotions effectively.
The October International Theatre Festival is a significant event in Eswatini's cultural calendar, showcasing the country's rich artistic talent and its ability to attract international collaborators. The festival's emphasis on skills development and cross-border collaboration highlights its potential to contribute to the growth of the arts sector in Eswatini.
As the festival continues, participants will have the opportunity to engage with various art forms, including dance, theatre, and creative writing. With its diverse range of activities and international collaborations, the October International Theatre Festival is set to be a memorable event in Eswatini's cultural landscape.
Key points
- The October International Theatre Festival features international collaboration with Mozambican choreographer Alexandre Dos Santos and South African actor Hamilton Dlamini.
- The festival focuses on skills development, with masterclasses emphasizing stagecraft and performance techniques.
- The event brings together learners and teachers from 20 schools for an immersive celebration of storytelling, movement, and performance.
