Open call: Zwakala Festival director in SA

The successful candidate will be appointed on a fixed-term basis to oversee the 30th edition of the festival.

Zwakala is one of South Africa’s most dynamic festivals seeking to promote community-based theatre. The festival’s main aim is to improve the skills of writers, directors, designers and actors by empowering them to create and produce local content of a high standard and train the next generation of community arts leaders, arts entrepreneurs and administrators. It also takes participants through a journey of both the creative and practical sides of producing a professional theatre piece.

Responsibilities

• Selection of productions to participate in the festival through showcasing.
• Provide dramaturge and artistic input to groups selected to participate in the 30th Zwakala Festival.
• Regular visits to groups in preparation for the festival.
• Provide regular feedback to groups.
• Schedule the performances for the festival.
• Oversee the successful implementation of the 30th Zwakala Festival.

Requirements

• A degree or relevant qualification in the arts.
• A minimum of five years of experience in the development of theatrical productions.
• Proven experience in working with community based arts organisations.
• Proven track record of mentoring in theatre and leading to mounting a production.
• Be able to understand and/or speak three African languages.

Interested applicants should submit a one-paged motivation letter indicating their experience working as director or mentor in theatrical production. They should outline their experience in working with community arts organisations. The application should be submitted via email at [email protected] along with a detailed CV not later than 4 December.

Applicants should be available from 15 to 17 December 2023 and from 16 January to 1 March 2024.

View the original call here.