The Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival – the 1th annual showcase – features 24 fresh and exciting productions from all over the Western Cape, and one from Gauteng, at The Baxter from 20 to 27 March 2021.
The week-long festival, featuring over 200 hundred participants, kicks off with the Zabalaza Weekend on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March with performances, activities and entertainment over the two days. The Main Festival will run from Monday 22 to Friday 26 March. The festival culminates with the awards ceremony on Saturday 27 March.
The 2021 festival is dedicated to the memory of Zoleka Helesi, cofounder and coordinator of Zabalaza, since its inception. “The tragic passing of Zoleka in December 2020 has left a huge void, not only to her friends and colleagues from the Zabalaza and Baxter teams, but also for the arts in South Africa,” says Baxter CEO and artistic director, Lara Foot. “She played a vital role in linking schools with the festival, exposing thousands of learners from various communities to the magic and power of theatre, on a scale that they may not have had before. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to these young artists, theatre-makers, communities, audiences and all of us.”
COVID-19 Protocols
Performances will be limited to 100 audience members (or less, depending on the venue), COVID-19 protocols to be observed include the availability of hand sanitisers, tracking and tracing, temperature checks, mandatory wearing of masks and practicing of physical distancing. Audience members are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the performance to avoid delays.
The impact of lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the Zabalaza team had to think innovatively and differently about conceptualising and planning this year’s festival, as well as the mini festivals, which were held at The Baxter in January.
Zabalaza Challenge
This year the Zabalaza Challenge will once again allow the public to make a significant impact on the festival and the artists involved. The Challenge, initiated by Foot in 2018, encourages individuals, businesses and organisations to join her in purchasing bulk tickets at only R30 each, for those who might not be able to afford them or would not otherwise be able to attend.
“The Zabalaza Challenge is an investment into the future of the arts as it contributes to the door takings for each show which goes straight back to the groups and artists performing in the festival and which, in turn, encourages more pioneering works from artists in our communities,” explains Foot. “The Zabalaza festival has empowered so many young theatre-makers who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to have their work seen or acknowledged. I invite you to join me in buying bulk tickets and creating an opportunity for young artists and audiences.
The Zabalaza team is led by Mdu Kweyama (artistic director), Tshegofatsho Mabutla (administrator and coordinator) and Nontsikelelo Maboza (intern).
WHERE: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road Rondebosch, Cape Town 7600
WHEN: 20 to 27 March, daily shows at 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am and 7pm during the week. PROGRAMME: full programme line-up visit www.baxter.co.za.
TICKETS: R30 per show and booking is through Webtickets HERE | 086 111 0005 | Pick n Pay stores. For discounted school or group block bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Carmen Kearns T 021 680 3993 E carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za | Nontsikelelo Maboza T 021 680 3994 | E nontsikelelo.maboza@uct.ac.za
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PHOTO: Aphiwe Livi, Buhle Qinga in Thank you for your service pic by Star Zwane
