Difference between revisions of "Janet Buckland"
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===As actress=== | ===As actress=== | ||
| − | As a student she appeared on stage in ''[[The Diary of Anne Frank]]'', ''[[Skyvers]]'', ''[[Oh What a Lovely War!]]'' and ''[[Spring Awakening]]'' (as Wendla), 1981. She had a role in the [[Maynardville]] production of ''[[Othello]]'' in 1982. | + | As a student she appeared on stage in ''[[The Diary of Anne Frank]]'', ''[[Skyvers]]'' (1978), ''[[Oh What a Lovely War!]]'' and ''[[Spring Awakening]]'' (as Wendla), 1981. She had a role in the [[Maynardville]] production of ''[[Othello]]'' in 1982. |
===As director=== | ===As director=== | ||
Revision as of 18:22, 2 November 2026
Janet Buckland (born circa 1954). Director, lecturer and playwright.
Contents
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 The Diary of Anne Frank, Skyvers (1978), Oh What a Lovely War! and Spring Awakening (as Wendla), 1981. She had a role in the Maynardville production of Othello in 1982.
As director
She has directed a number of plays, including:
1980: The Sand Labyrinth
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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