Twist Theatre Development Projects has been
provided with a lifeline through a new grant agreement signed with the National
Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) for the 2013-2014 project cycle.
Twist’s outstanding work in the field of
community theatre development since 2009 has been warmly welcomed by the
professional arts community as well as in the communities in KwaZulu-Natal in
which it works. Dr Emma Durden, the manager of the project, comments: “It is
wonderful for us to receive this boost at a time when arts funding is hard to
find. We are delighted that the NLDTF has come on board, and look forward to an
exciting period of working with new community theatre groups around the
province”.
This agreement with the NLDTF has allowed
Twist to recruit four groups for the new programme cycle, which will span two
years. These groups were selected after a month of meetings with different
theatre groups around the KZN province. Experienced theatre actor, Bhekani
Shabalala, who was on the provincial tour commented: “you can see that some of
these groups have spent little time with people who have knowledge of the
theatre scene but they are still able to present brilliant, powerful pieces. The
groups who go to the local community theatre festivals share ideas, see where
other groups are at, and raise the bar for their next performances. It is so important that they get continued
exposure to others so that they can continue to grow”.
The Twist programme bring together these
selected community groups in ten projects each year , which exposes them to
range of community festivals, professional festivals and skills-building
workshops that focus on both artistic and administrative skills. “Without administrative
and management skills, even the most outstanding performers and performances
will struggle to survive,” comments Emma Durden. “Most of the eight groups that
we have worked with in the past have grown to be able to carve a place for
themselves on the local theatre landscape, and we are so pleased that we can
offer this opportunity to four new groups”.
The groups in the 2013/2014 Twist programme
include Afri Bulletin Arts Organisation from Hlabisa, Lashona Ilanga Youth Arts
Creation from Mariannhill, Siyathuthuka Theatre Company from Lindelani north of
Durban, and Izwi Youth Movement based at Mpophomeni near Howick. The new groups
are looking forward to embarking on this journey with Twist, on a path to
developing new skills, and building themselves into more sustainable, lasting
organisations.
The first part of the new Twist cycle
starts at the end of October, where the groups will come together in Durban for
an induction workshop, and a session on workshopping new plays, led by the award-winning
theatre-maker, Neil Coppen.
The groups will then participate in a
skills exchange and sharing programme with the Stut Community Theatre group
from the Netherlands, who will be performing in Durban courtesy of funding from
the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The NLDTF relies on funds from the proceeds
of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act and regulations guide the way in
which NLDTF funding may be allocated. The NLDTF wants the grants to make a
difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more
vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations.
Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit
organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage;
and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and
potential, the NLDTF contributes to South Africa’s development.
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