The theatre groups get the opportunity to work with experts on 10 events every year, such as the Play-Making programme. On this programme, Twist groups work with professionals to develop their own stories that are performed at festivals later in the year. (Image: Twist Theatre Development Projects)
Theatre is a powerful, visceral way of telling stories. Twist Theatre Development Projects taps into this power to bring to the fore South Africa’s diverse cultures and its multitude of experiences.
Twist projects works to fast-track the development of local theatre groups throughout KwaZulu-Natal, as well as to create sustainable relationships and networks in theatre locally and abroad.
By working with established theatre groups, the organisation focuses its efforts on those already committed to theatre and performance arts. It draws on their dedication and passion to help others find their way into the industry.
PARTNERS AND PROJECTS
The organisation has worked with a number of promising talents from more than 12 theatre groups in underprivileged communities throughout the province, such as the Izwi Youth Theatre Group in Howick, as well as Sinethemba Arts and Umsindo in Ulundi.
Twist projects connects these theatre groups with the professional industry in a number of ways. It builds relationships with mentors who are professionals in the theatre world as well as gets access to events such as festivals and professional performances.
The theatre groups get the opportunity to work with experts on 10 events every year, such as the Play-Making programme. On this programme, Twist groups work with professionals to develop their own stories that are performed at festivals later in the year.
It is also partnered with established theatrical organisations such as the Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu and the ASSITEJ Theatre for Youth. These partnerships were forged to align their collective efforts in developing theatre in South Africa and help reach those who would usually not have been exposed to the magic of performance art.
Watch a production staged by the groups involved with Twist Theatre Development Projects:
TEAM EFFORT
Theatre and performance arts allow artistic expression and build team work among the cast and the backstage crew.
However, the cost of running theatre productions is a challenge, including as they do the need for equipment such as lighting, props and a space to rehearse and perform. To overcome these challenges, Twist projects calls on corporations and the public for assistance.
Any people or organisations looking to play a part in the development of South African theatre at a grassroots level are asked to visit the Twist Theatre Development Projects’ support page for more details on how they can do so.
Options regarding how to assist the organisation range from volunteering in business management and advertising to governance, lighting design and improving the computer skills of the facilitators of the programme.
Donations of funds as well as infrastructure and equipment such as computers, modems, props, transportation, refreshments and venues for their performances will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of the projects.
Wathc one of the productions staged by groups in early 2015:
Watch one of the productions staged in the early stages of the Theatre Development Projects
PLAY YOUR PART
Are you playing your part in developing South Africa and its citizens? If so, submit your story or video to our website and let us know what you are doing to improve the country for all.
