STABLE THEATRE PHAMBILI FESTIVAL

Theatregoers in Durban can enjoy a weekend of fresh young stage talent to be showcased soon.

A mere R20 earns you the right to experience Durban’s talent in Stable Theatre’s recently-refurbished and newly-equipped 200-seater theatre. Reserve the weekend of March 9 to 11 for a theatre festival by young people. Open to all, the 2nd Phambili Annual Youth Theatre Festival is presented by Stable Theatre in association with Twist Projects.

The festival opens with the launch of Zulu Crush, a book by international theatre practitioner Roel Twijnstra of Theatregroep Siberia from Holland. A writer, director and set designer, just to name a few of his skills, he has directed almost 80 theatre shows.

The book launch takes place at 18h00 on March 9, followed by the official launch of Phambili Youth Theatre Festival. This year, the festival introduces Twist Projects’ New Scripts book launch and a grand opening of the festival by one of Durban’s most powerful and talented theatre groups.

Hailing from Umlazi C Section, Umsindo Theatre Productions led by Musawenkosi and Bongumusa Shabalala and Xolani Dlongolo will present The Seed. This theatre group has tasted the rewards of hard work and commitment with their stage production To Be Like This Rock, a play that speaks of child trafficking. The production won a Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2011 Grahamstown Festival. Prior to that, it performed at the Ishashalazi Woman’s Festival in 2010 at EMAC then in Gauteng at a Netherlands and South Africa Twist Conference in 2011.

This year, the festival introduces work from the Wushwini Arts and Culture Heritage Centre located in the mountains and rural surrounds of KwaNgcolosi on Wushwini Road overlooking the Inanda Dam. This fresh and interesting line-up of works promises to make an impact over the festival weekend.

Siyakha Performing Artists, Emuhle All Artists, Uthando Lwabaqulusi, Big Brotherhood and Ubuntu Besizwe Productions are presented by Twist Projects sharing a stage with groups from Stable Theatre and K-CAP.

The Phambili Youth Theatre Festival takes place from March 9 to 11 at Stable Theatre. For more details contact Stable Theatre on 031 309 2513 during office hours.