Basetsana Script Writing and Directing Workshops empower unskilled Gauteng’s Creative Women and LGBTI & Q
An increasing number of women within Community Theatre are beginning to take the lead in producing and telling their stories, this is thanks to the Basetsana Script Writing and Directing Workshop, an initiative by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
To close off the Women’s Month programme, this year’s (Basetsana) Workshop runs from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 August, at Meulstroom Lodge in Ekungwini, Tshwane. The 5-day intensive programme will see more than 60 participants including several from the LGBTI&Q community being taken through a rigorous technical process of writing, directing and producing quality theatre productions.
It is one of the most ambitious programmes aimed at transforming theatre by getting more women to write, direct and produce theatre pieces. It seeks to change the norm from having women only involved as assistants or in acting, makeup artistry or wardrobe roles.
Says MEC Mbali Hlophe “The Basetsana Scriptwriting and Directing Workshop initiative is aimed at addressing the gap and increasing opportunities for emerging female writers and directors. Through this initiative, we will provide female scriptwriting and directing entrants into the industry, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds”.
“With disparities and challenges facing women, this initiative is one of the only ones aimed at correcting the status quo between men and women, through the up-skilling of these female theatre and filmmakers and mentoring them through their first productions”, adds MEC Hlophe.
Facilitators of the workshop:
- Mxolisi Norman, a South African playwright, academic, and musician based in Liverpool, studying towards a PhD at Edge Hill University. He holds a master’s degree qualification in Dramatic arts from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2010.
- Chuma Mapoma, 26-year-old freelance actress, vocalist, poet, writer, director and script supervisor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music and drama performance studies and an Honours degree in drama performance from the University of KwaZulu Natal.
- Zukiswa Angel Ndunge a 33-year-old young woman who is passionate about community development, helping young girls/women to achieve their goals within the theatre space.
- Boitshoko Mfolo has an extensive understanding of the business of the South African Film and Television industry. She obtained her B-tech (Cum Laude) from the Tshwane University of Technology.
- Naledi Bogacwi: a National School of the Arts alumni, produced 3 independent short films. She wrote and produced ‘Letters of Hope’ which will debut at the 40th Durban International Film Festival. She’s currently with AFDA Johannesburg as a screen writing lecturer. Letters of Hope.
- Thami Kotlolo: Founder of the iconic Feathers Awards. An entrepreneur par excellence and CEO of one of the leading Communications and Events Management companies, Quad Republic.
Members of the media are welcome to attend the workshop.
Enquiries:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 083 507 8068
E-mail: nomazwe.ntlokwana@gauteng.gov.za
