Playhouse Company

The Playhouse Company is a Theatre production company based at The Playhouse in Durban, and operates as an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

History

A company founded in 1995 and launched on 11th February 1995 by Johan Zietsman, CEO of NAPAC, to be the resident production company for The Playhouse in Durban.

Seasons

Schools Programmes

Held from February to March. This initiative reaches out to senior primary and high school learners. Presented both on tour and at the Playhouse. It includes learning aid programmes, to assist in the understanding of set works, as well as productions that highlight moral community values.

Ingoma Competition

Held in March. The Playhouse Company’s annual Ingoma Competition is a splendid showcase for traditional Zulu dance groups to compete with each other before crowds of admirers.

Community Arts Mentorship Programme

Run in March - April. A holistic learning aid process stretching over two months offers young artists entering the profession the opportunity to engage with high end mentors and seasoned professional arts practitioners in the fields of vocal coaching, script development, acting, direction, movement, and arts administration. At the end of the programme, the mentees get to present the productions they have created before an audience

New Stages

Held in May. It is a platform to showcase new South African theatre works. The primary focus is on the development of works that reflect contemporary South Africa’s artistic and diverse heritage. It is also offered as the Company’s salute to Africa Month.The season also celebrates Africa Month.

SA Women’s Arts Festival

Held in August. This flagship festival artistic works that highlight contributions made by women in society. The curation of stage productions showcases established female arts practitioners in the fields of drama, music and dance, also giving a platform to their new generation peers. Auxiliary features of the festival include beadwork expos and art exhibitions, as well as free Community Conversation sessions led by artists, community leaders and businesswomen.

Isicathamiya Competition

Held in September. The Playhouse Company presents this unique a-cappella song-and-dance phenomenon annually as part of indigenous arts performances.

Community Arts Festival at the Playhouse

Held in October. Up and coming arts practitioners are given an opportunity to showcase their works.

Christmas Season

In December. Large-scale live productions promoting an enriching spirit of holiday cheer among the audiences.

Okwethu Community Arts Festival (outreach)

In December. This outreach initiative allows entry level arts practitioners the chance to benefit of from professional skills sharing that is extended to them by the Playhouse team and its associates.

Community Conversations

Held quarterly. Regular stakeholder consultative forums with the arts community.

Sundowner Concerts and Poetry Sessions

Held monthly. These free events, held on the first Friday of the month, offer poetry and jazz enthusiasts the opportunity to unwind at the end the day in the convivial surroundings of The Playhouse’s main foyer.

Test Driving the Arts Concerts

Monthly. Conceived as a performance opportunity for upcoming young artists to perform in front of an audience, these free lunch concerts feature isipantsula, hip-hip, kwaito, kathak, indlamu, and gospel among other genres.

Sources

Mervyn McMurtry

http://www.playhousecompany.com/

Return to

Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page