Talented youth pull out all the stops at Zabalaza Festival

Youth from across the Western Cape showed off their drama talent at the tenth anniversary of the Zabalaza Festival at the Baxter Theatre this weekend. On 7 March 2020, the following winning and runner-up groups from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport regional drama competitions took part in the festival:

• Home, Sweet Home by Fantasties Dramaties (invited guest of the Zabalaza Festival)

• Waar’s my korrels by Franschhoek High (runner up at the Cape Winelands drama festival)

• Dis my Story by New Directions (runners up at the Eden drama festival)

• Tagmag by Our Hope (winners of the Cape Winelands drama festival)

• Blok aan my Been by SPA (winners of the Eden drama festival).

Project manager Moeniel Jacobs takes pride in organising the annual drama festivals. ‘Not many people from rural communities get the opportunity to set foot on a professional stage and chances like these are appreciated and valued by these emerging talents. Every year the quality of productions improves as these artists try to outdo themselves and their fellow artists, resulting in more intense and professionally presented productions’ says Moeniel.

The productions, written and produced by the artists themselves, captivated their audiences including DCAS Minister, Anroux Marais, with their relevant and thought-provoking material. ‘The partnership with the Zabalaza Festival enables us to work together and focus our attention on increasing access and participation in cultural affairs by providing platforms for talent showcasing but equally important, for the expression of lived experiences to be shared for greater opportunities to come into fruition. I look forward to engaging with the rising stars from across the province at the tenth anniversary celebration festival. I would like to thank all who had a hand in the success of this festival and for facilitating the development, preservation and promotion of our vibrant arts and diverse culture in the Western Cape,’ said Minister Marais.

The winner of the Best of DCAS will be decided at the Suidoosterfees on 27 April 2020 at the grand finale.