Janet Buckland

Janet Buckland (born circa 1954). Director, lecturer and playwright.

Biography

Born Janet Connor. She is married to the actor Andrew Buckland and their son, Daniel Buckland is also a performer.

Training

Obtained a BA Hons (cum laude) in Drama and History, and a Higher Diploma in Education from Rhodes University. Trained at Rhodes University Drama Department.

Career

She has worked as a freelance actor, choreographer, dancer and schoolteacher. When she and Andrew moved back to Grahmstown, she became a part time lecturer and Course Coordinator: Directing in the Drama Department. In 1993 became Director of Arts Education Projects at the Grahamstown Foundation until 2000. She is also responsible for the development of the Studio project of the Grahamstown Festival (National Arts Festival) as well as the Amaphiko Township Dance Project.

Co-founder, with Andrew Buckland, of Mouthpeace Theatre, for which she has directed numerous works and later director of the Ubom! Eastern Cape Drama Company. Also the director of the Arts Education Project for the Grahamstown Festival.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

As actress

As a student she appeared on stage in Oh What a Lovely War! (Rhodes University Drama Department, 1975), Cinderella (Dramatic Society of East London, 1977), The Diary of Anne Frank (Rhodes University Drama Department, 1978), Skyvers (Rhodes University Drama Department, 1978) and Spring Awakening (as Wendla), 1981. She had a role in the Maynardville production of Othello (1982).

As director

She has directed a number of productions, including:

1980: The Sand Labyrinth (Rhodes University Drama Department)

1993: Oklahoma! (Dramatic Society of East London)

Janet also directed many of Andrew Buckland's works over the years, and her directing credits include a number of productions that have scooped national and international awards. Among the works are:

1988: The Ugly Noo Noo

1991: Between the Teeth

1992: Bloodstream

1994: Feedback

1998: The Water Juggler (also co-creator with Andrew)

2001: Makana

2003: Thuthula - Heart of the Labyrinth

2004: Fuse

2006: Kiss My Boot

2013: Laugh the Buffalo

2026: A Fool's Guide to Living and Dying

Awards

Three Vita Awards for Best Production and for Best Direction as well as three Scotsman Fringe First Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Creator of the play Fuse, which was nominated in Edinburgh for “Best Ensemble work” and in 2005 the production received a Naledi Award for “Best Cutting Edge” production.

In 2001 she was the recipient of the Eastern Cape Premier’s Award for Directing. On other fronts she was elected the Herald Citizen of the Year in Arts and Culture (2007).

In 2008 Janet became the “Grahamstown Citizen of the Year” as well as the “Shoprite Checkers Woman of the year”.

In 2026 she was awarded the Standing Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival.

Sources

Die Beeld 26 June 2001.

http://www.ru.ac.za/drama/staff/academicparttimeandguest/janetbuckland/

https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/about/about-the-fringe/#1789640272212-479497c3-f0c5

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