The October International Theatre Festival (OITF) has commenced at the Mbabane Theatre Club, bringing together young Emaswati and established theatre practitioners from Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique. The festival's opening phase, known as the Genesis Ekucaleni School of Creative Arts, has attracted learners and teachers from over 20 schools for training in various artistic disciplines. The programme features sessions on storytelling, movement, theatre, and performance.
The festival programme includes dance, theatre, creative writing, poetry, and directing sessions. Mozambican choreographer Alexandre Dos Santos is leading the dance training, while South African actor Hamilton Dlamini is conducting theatre masterclasses. Additional workshops on creative writing, poetry, and directing are being held at the American Corner Mbabane and Yini Loku. These sessions aim to equip young artists with the skills needed to excel in their respective fields.
Dlamini's masterclasses have focused on essential skills such as listening, mental preparation, teamwork, and mastering dialogue. He has used different characters and situations to help the young actors develop confidence and learn how to approach various roles. The students have also been taught how to respond quickly when a scene demands strong emotion. Dlamini encouraged them to draw from situations they have experienced or observed when developing a character.
The learners participating in the festival include winners from the Inyatsi Schools Theatre Competition, such as students from Swazi National High School and Ngomane Primary. They recently collaborated with Dlamini on the IGAZI play, hosted in Mbombela, through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture. This cross-border collaboration provided valuable experience for the young artists, who are now benefiting from the festival's training sessions.
The dance programme, led by Dos Santos, has included practical exercises designed to develop the students' understanding of stagecraft. The festival forms part of a wider programme of performances and professional development activities scheduled through October 3. This year's event promises to be an exciting platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talents and learn from each other.
South African actor and theatre practitioner Bheki Mkhwane is set to headline a major showcase at the October International Theatre Festival. The showcase, scheduled for 7 pm on September 30, will feature performances by Mkhwane and other creatives from the region and beyond. Mkhwane is a renowned multidisciplinary arts practitioner with a career spanning over three decades.
Mkhwane's appearance at the festival follows the Schools Festival at the Mbabane Theatre Club, where over 20 schools participated alongside their teachers. As a prominent figure in Southern African arts, Mkhwane's presence is expected to inspire and motivate the young artists attending the festival. His extensive experience in stage acting, physical theatre, mime, and playwriting will undoubtedly enrich the event.
Key points
- The October International Theatre Festival provides a platform for young Emaswati to receive training from established practitioners.
- The festival features a range of artistic disciplines, including dance, theatre, creative writing, poetry, and directing.
- Bheki Mkhwane is set to headline a major showcase at the festival, bringing his extensive experience in the arts to the event.
