DUT DRAMA STUDENTS WIN ISHASHALAZI WOMENS FESTIVAL
Media statement by Mrs Debbie Lutge of Drama Studies
The Drama Studies Programme of the Durban University of Technology is very proud of a group of ‘Thespians’ (8 women: 7 actors and 1 director), who created a workshop production that garnered first prize at the Ishashalazi Women’s Festival.
The group ‘Thespians’ was composed of: Nombulelo Khumalo (3rd year), 2nd year students Ayanda Sibisi, Nolulamo Maquthu, Sanelisiwe Dlamini, Nombuso Gcabashe, Philile Ntimbane, and first year student Sinaye Maphanga, all directed by final year student Silindile Ndlovu.
The Drama Studies Programme encourages students to adopt an entrepreneurial approach in order to apply skills and creative vision in the theatre industry and it is therefore very proud of this particular group of young women who, led by Silindile Ndlovu joined forces to profile themselves as ‘Thespians’ in order to show their impact in a highly competitive market. Students from the programme regularly engage in profiling themselves through entrepreneurial endeavours and new works. These ‘Thespians’ have taken the initiative in 2008, excelling in the arena of creating new works that give a new voice to the issues that surround them.
The competition was held at Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre [EMAC] in Kwa-Mashu over three days spearheaded by Edmund Mhlongo. The competition ran from Friday 29 August 2008 to Sunday 31 August 2008. Workshops were held by Theatre Doyen Caroline Smart, well-known Durban and Drama Studies Programme Publicist Illa Thompson, Tu Nokwe (of the Durban Nokwe theatrical family), Gcina Mhlophe (award winning Durban playwright and internationally acclaimed Storyteller), Zama and Sma Mbatha (television star and producer of Igagasi FM), David Gouldie (award winning choreographer from BASA) and Duma ka’Ndlovu (director of The Game recently staged at the Playhouse Co.).
The competition entailed workshops from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. onwards performances would compete for the overall trophy and first prize of R7 500-00. The final awards were presented by the Department of Arts and Culture at the close of the Ishashalazi Women’s Festival late on Sunday afternoon, signifying the completion of the three day competition. The award was presented at the awards ceremony hosted by Edmund Mhlongo’s Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre [EMAC].
For comment, please contact the following:
Director – Silindile Ndlovu (0838846589)
Nolulamo Maquthu (0735260600)
Nombulelo Khumalo (0735599180)
Ayanda Sibisi (0788839604)
Sanelisiwe Dlamini (0789188817)
Nombuso Gcabashe (0781807848)
Philile Ntimbane (0838807452)
Sinaye Maphanga (0733442201)