The Jakes Gerwel Foundation (JGF) and partners NATi (National Afrikaans Theatre Initiative) and Artscape welcome submissions for their fifth annual NATi Jong Sterre mentorship for playwrights, which takes place in Somerset East in the Eastern Cape.
Says Artscape’s Rafiek Mammon: “Opportunities like the Jakes Gerwel/ Suidoosterfees/ NATi Jong Sterre project do not come along every day. This project is real, 100% investment into an aspirant playwright’s future. Your hand is held throughout the process – from page to stage, and beyond. Many of our past participants are well on their way to being respected by their peers as well as seasoned theatre makers in the industry.”
The three-week mentorship / residency takes place from 10 to 30 July where acclaimed theatre-maker Lee-Ann van Rooi will mentor five budding playwrights in the finer points of shaping their plays which will premiere at Suidoosterfees 2024 at Artscape in Cape Town.
The successful applicants will be hosted at the Foundation’s beautiful 200-year-old Paulet House. These writers can look forward to the inspiration and enjoyment of lush gardens, ample space in which to create, a charming town, the peace and quiet of the surroundings and the company of fellow writers.
The residency includes:
• National return tickets to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), if needed
• Transport between the airport and Somerset East
• A comfortable ‘room-with-a-view’ of your own
• Housekeeping services
• Delicious meals prepared by the Foundation’s resident chef
• Unlimited access to the Internet
• Writing space in your room, in quiet spots inside the house and in the garden.
Interested writers must submit their applications to the executive director of the Jakes Gerwel Foundation, Theo Kemp, at theo@jgf.org.za by 5 May 2023.
Your application should include the following:
• A fresh, new play or an extract of a new play in English or Afrikaans
• A short CV
• And a motivational letter explaining how you will benefit from the mentorship.
Please note that plays previously in script development or mentorship will not be considered.
The names of successful applicants will be announced on 16 June 2023.
Following mentorship in Somerset East, the plays will be:
• Developed by Suidoosterfees with the support of NATi and staged as part the Rising Stars platform at Suidoosterfees 2024
• Artscape supports by providing rehearsal space, décor, props, costumes and technical help
• The respected theatre maker, Rafiek Mammon, is the project manager, assisting with various aspects of staging the productions for the festival
• The playwrights also have the opportunity to stage extracts from their plays at Teksmark presented by KKNK’s Kunste Onbeperk.
About the partners
* The Jakes Gerwel Foundation continues to build on the considerable legacy of the late Professor Jakes Gerwel who excelled as educator, liberator, patron of the arts and businessperson.
The foundation’s aim is to promote and expand South African literature in general; especially Afrikaans which was Professor Gerwel’s field of expertise.
The focus areas are:
• Enriching South African literature
• Assisting with new perspectives and sharing of new experiences
• Supporting emerging writers and new voices
• Encouraging reading and promoting literacy among the youth.”
Read more about Jakes Gerwel Foundation at www.jgf.org.za.
* NATi is a non-profitable organisation, focusing on the promotion of inclusive Afrikaans theatre for the benefit of the broader South African arts sector. See NATi at https://www.nati.org.za/
* Situated on Cape Town’s Foreshore, the 14 000 square metre Artscape Theatre Centre accommodates well over 2000 theatre goers at multiple theatres. Opened in 1971, Artscape is the city’s main hub for the region’s performing arts and production support and resources. See Artscape at https://www.artscape.co.za/
Read more about:
Suidoosterfees at: https://suidoosterfees.com/
KNK’s Kunste Onbeperk at: https://kknk.co.za/en/about-us/
#Nasionale Teater-inisiatief
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