The October International Theatre Festival (OITF) in Eswatini has announced that registration for its creative arts masterclasses is officially closed. The festival, scheduled for October 1 to 3, 2026, in Mbabane, had targeted 30 participants per workshop across five venues. However, several sessions exceeded capacity, with acting workshops recording 55 registrations for Day One and 72 for Day Two.
The festival's programme was designed to accommodate 150 participants daily, but the response has been overwhelming, demonstrating that local actors and performers are hungry for theatre, skills development, and meaningful creative exchange. Festival Director Larry Mhlanga expressed his satisfaction with the response, saying it shows the eagerness of the local artistic community.
The workshops will run from 9am to noon, followed by afternoon and evening theatre productions. Participants will experience both practical training and live performances, including productions involving some workshop facilitators. The facilitator line-up includes Hamilton Dlamini of WOZA ALBERT, Abednigo Moruti Dlamini, Napo, Dr Disi Sindo, Zenzo Nyathi of Zimbabwe, and Alexandre Xindiro of Mozambique.
Renowned Artistic Director and TX Theatre CEO Mxolisi The Great will facilitate Directing for New Directors, an intensive session that will introduce directing fundamentals, character development, casting, and translating stories into performance. The festival will unite artists from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, presenting more than 10 productions over three days.
The inaugural OITF aims to make history, tell African stories, and restore the culture of theatre. Festival Director Larry Mhlanga expressed his gratitude to every partner helping make this dream a reality. Although workshop registration is closed, festival tickets remain available through MojaTicket, and patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
The festival's programme updates are available on the October International Theatre Festival Facebook page. The event promises to be an exciting experience, with a diverse lineup of artists and productions. The festival's success is a testament to the growing interest in theatre and the arts in Eswatini.
The October International Theatre Festival is a significant event for the arts in Eswatini, bringing together artists from across the region and providing a platform for skills development and creative exchange. With its diverse lineup and exciting programme, the festival is set to be a highlight of the year's cultural calendar.
Key points
- The October International Theatre Festival in Eswatini has sold out its creative arts masterclasses due to overwhelming public demand.
- The festival will feature a diverse lineup of artists from across the region, including Hamilton Dlamini and Mxolisi The Great.
- Festival tickets remain available through MojaTicket, and patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
