Join the movement to fund Southern Suburbs performers for the National Arts Festival
Taking part in various productions at the National Arts Festival are the Spark in the Dark theatre collective group. From back left are David Schmidt, Tshiamo Moretlwe, Kamogelo Mhlantla, Samantha Carlisle, Cailyb Prinsloo, Shannon Hendry and front from left are Céline Tshika, Dara Beth and Sophie Joans.
Image: Juliette Rose-Innes
Up and coming stage performers and directors from Rondebosch and Observatory are looking for donations to go to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda which starts on Thursday June 26.
Founder of a local based Spark in the Dark theatre collective group, Sophie Joans, 28, from Observatory said around 16 stage performers including herself are seeking a total of R100 000 to support them on the journey to Makhanda.
She said the funds raised will go towards transport, accommodation, food, marketing materials for their productions and buying stage props.
“We have never tried to raise funds like this before on such a big crowdfunding scale. But we believe that people and our networks will see the value of supporting the next generation of South African stars,” she says.
Ms Joans said her production company has produced 14 stage plays scheduled for display at the arts festival. They include stage plays like Ka-Boom, Bad African, Netphlix and MASC where Ms Joans has directed, written and will be performing in some of them.
Ms Joans said there are a few organisations that provide funding for theatre, though funding is limited.
Joining Ms Joans on the trip is writer and director, Cailyp Prinsloo, 25, from Rondebosch. At the festival she has written and directed, What Do You Think The Birds Are Doing?
Ms Prinsloo said it is a huge opportunity to participate in the arts festival. “So many people's careers are launched there, and it's a wonderful place to make a name for yourself, and take in what the local theatre world has to offer,” she said.
Multi-talented Dara Beth,31, from Rondebosch has experience as a writer, director, designer, creative producer, and a performer as well. At the arts festival she has written and will perform in All My Ex-lovers Are Dead and has directed the Messy play as well.
Ms Beth says the National Arts Festival plays a crucial role in the arts industry. “It's not just a chance to share work, it's a hub for connecting with other creatives, to learn and grow through staging and performing, and to move others while being moved by their work,” she said.
Currently Ms Joans and her colleagues from the theatre collective group have raised close to R20 000 on the Thundafund fundraising platform. If anyone would like to assist these performers in making the trip to the arts festival you can check out www.sparkinthedark.co.za for more info.