Market Lab seeks next generation creatives
Lusanda Zokufa – Kathilu
The Market Theatre Laboratory invites a new generation of talented and committed actors, theatre-makers, writers, and directors to apply for the Theatre and Performance Programme.
Applications for study in 2021 opened on 17 August and proceed up to 19 October 2020.
This full-time course, which runs from January to November each year, offers intensive training in a laboratory environment for emerging actors, theatre-makers, directors and writers to develop to professional standard.
Facilitated by professional theatre practitioners, the programme focuses on practical experience and learning through experimentation, exchange, research and making. Each year 20 first years are selected, a small group that allows for each students’ creative journey to be mentored.
The world of performing arts is an ever changing landscape full of opportunities and challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic forces many artists to think differently about how they create and share their work.
The Lab has heavily invested this year in developing digital content and ensuring that the curriculum continues to serve the interests and needs of young creatives in a rapidly evolving industry. Young artists are taught to adapt, experiment and think of themselves as entrepreneurs.
The high quality of artistic engagement between students, collaborators, audiences and theatre practitioners happening in the space is evident in the impressive array of awards the productions created through or with the Market Theatre Laboratory have won or been nominated for. Recently, Kwasha! Theatre Company and the Market Lab students were nominated for a total of six Naledi Awards this year.
There is also a long list of alumni over several generations who continue to excel in various capacities, including SAFTA award winners Mncedisi Shabangu and Warren Masemola, popular TV newcomer SiceloButhelezi, and iconic actress Lindiwe Ndlovu.
When the Market Theatre Laboratory opened in 1989, the intention of founders Dr John Kani and Barney Simon was to provide opportunities to talented youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. This remains an integral part of the Lab’s purpose, along with determination to assist young artists to build sustainable careers, and create space and visibility for subaltern experiences, voices, and identities.
If Covid-19 lockdown regulations are still in place, parts of the course may be held online.
Applicants can get application forms fromwww.marketlab.co.za; or fetch them from the Market Theatre Laboratory offices at The Market Square, 138 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.
Queries can be directed to Rudy Motseatsea through email courses@marketlab.co.za or 011 838 7498.
