Productions that are selected from applications received will then be auditioned and invited to participate in the mini-festivals, which are scheduled for 19, 20, 26 and 27 October and 2 and 3 November, 2013, after which the final selections for the 2014 line-up will be made. Community groups and companies are strongly encouraged to apply early.
The festival organisers are looking for all kinds of entries, from one- or two-handers to children's theatre productions, puppetry, musical theatre, comedies, straight dramas, physical theatre and storytelling.
"Participants in previous festivals are welcome to apply again, provided that they bring an entirely different production," explained Thami Mbongo, artistic director of the Zabalaza Theatre Festival. "Those who auditioned in 2012 and 2013 may reapply to audition with the same production provided that they can show that they have worked on improving it. Only those groups or theatre-makers who apply to be part of the festival will be auditioned when we visit them at their rehearsal venues. It is, therefore, essential that applications reach us by no later than 23 August."
The 2014 Zabalaza Festival will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on 7 March 2014. Festival performances will run from 8-15 March with the awards ceremony scheduled to take place on 16 March.
"Thanks to the generous assistance and support from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, we are able to continue this much-needed showcase," said Zoleka Helesi, Zabalaza co-ordinator. "We are determined to offer audiences a very exciting and diverse variety of the
immense and abundant talent and enthusiasm that exists within our communities."
Entry forms may be obtained from the festival office at the Baxter Theatre Centre, from the Baxter's reception desk in the main foyer, or downloaded from either www.baxter.co.za or www.facebook.com/zabalazafestival.
Interested community groups and theatre-makers from outside the Western Cape who wish to apply should email their full contact details to the office at moc.liamg@lavitsefazalabaz.
