(Musawenkosi
(Goso) Shabalala with his Game-Changer award. Photo by Harry Lock)
Twist Theatre Development Projects launched
its new programme recently, with the induction of five community theatre groups
into the project’s annual development programme of workshops, performances and
festivals.
The five new groups include The Township
Academy of Arts from Umlazi, Ithuba Labasha Theatre Group from Mariannhill,
Unyezi Theatre Project from Pietermaritzburg, Zamukukhanya Theatre Productions
from Izingolweni on the South Coast, and the 034 Drama Project Vryheid.
The launch also saw the awarding of the
annual Twist Game-Changer Award; an award given for those initiatives or
individuals that nurture talent and allow the KZN arts industry to grow.
Game-changers come in many forms; as
inspiring role models, teachers, mentors, programme managers and funders with
an innovative mission. He went on to say that some change the game by creating
work that is both artistically new for audiences and inspiring for other
theatre creators, and which changed the language of many theatre makers in the
province.
The award for 2018 was presented to
Musawenkosi (Goso) Shabalala. Shabalala and his twin (the late Bongomusa who
died in February 2018) worked together in Umlazi and together developed several
outstanding productions over the past decade. These include works such as To be Like this Rock, The Seed, Pieces of
the Puzzle, Secrets from the Drawer, Brothers, Isipololo, Ezekiel, and Daffy Falls.
The pair worked with directors from around
the globe, and with local luminaries such as Jerry Pooe and Neil Coppen. Both
of the twins are recognised for their inspiring work, but the award was
presented to Musawenkosi as an individual, with Twist Director, Roel Twijnstra
noting: “We have just one award. But when you see it, you will notice two
figures that are intertwined. Your life and artistic life as a theatre maker
have always been interlinked with your twin. Since the beginning of the year,
you have had to reinvent yourself without Siso. We want to acknowledge you –
and your growth as an independent thinker and creator with your roots here in
KZN,” said Twijnstra.
Twist Theatre Development Projects is
funded for the 2018 period by the National Lotteries Commission.
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