Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy at Winelands Drama Festival

The Cape Winelands Drama Festival finale will take place at the Robertson Town Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2014 in spectacular fashion, celebrating the theme “20 Years of Democracy”.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in collaboration with Langeberg Municipality, will host this event in conjunction with various stakeholders, including the Baxter Theatre, Suidoosterfees, Stellenbosch Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Klein Libertas Theatre and The Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust. Initiatives such as these provide the youth with a positive alternative with the arts and also provide them with professional opportunities to showcase their talents. Therefore, by presenting a showcase opportunity with professional resources, inclusive of professional adjudicators to provide the necessary feedback and identify exceptional talents for further opportunities, the Cape Winelands Drama Festival creates a platform to present the youth with the necessary tools to develop their talents in order for them to elevate their theatrical skills while also combatting social ills.

“I think that this year’s festival is stronger than last year and it is a wonderful opportunity for all the participants,” says writer for Vangnet Drama group, Sheline Bothma. “I really like the theme and I think it is very interesting to have one theme but different plays. The workshops were extremely interesting and we learned such a lot. We are excited with the direction our play is going and we are just so happy to be part of the finale. Thank you to the judges and facilitators for mentoring us and for giving us this opportunity.”

The project manager from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Moeniel Jacobs, said that the Department is proud of this initiative that has shown exceptional growth since its inception in 2013. “This year has provided outstanding talents, with the participants showing great maturity in their stories and their skills in theatre. The Department is proud of its partnerships that have elevated this festival to its current successes.”

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in collaboration with the various stakeholders, will continue to develop the next generation of theatre stars by creating awareness, supporting and developing emerging talents to make the future BETTER TOGETHER.