Gauteng making inroads on transforming women’s participation in Theatre and film production

Hundreds of women in Gauteng are ready to take on roles previously dominated by male counterparts in the theatre and film production space. Through an annual Basetsana Script Writing and Directing programme targeting women and the LGBTIQ+ community workshops have been held in various parts of the province with the most recent having taken place in Bronkhortspruit. The week-long workshop marked 13 years this year  since the inception of this programme.

Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the programme seeks to assist in transforming theatre by getting women and members of the LGBTIQ+ community to write, direct and produce theatre and film pieces. The programme is opened to persons from age of 18 years and above. This year’s highlight was having a 75-year-old participant, Ms. Ngubane from Thokoza, Ekurhuleni.

The workshop was facilitated by seasoned and highly acclaimed individuals including Nomveliso Tshabalala, who are experienced in the scriptwriting and directing field. Through their expertise, these facilitators created a pool of skilled and knowledgeable writers and directors in the province.

MEC Mbali Hlophe says:” The Basetsana Scriptwriting and Directing Workshop is one of the most ambitious programmes aimed at transforming theatre by getting more women and the LBTQI+ community to write, direct and produce theatre pieces. It seeks to change the norm from having women only involved as assistants or in acting, makeup artistry or wardrobe roles.”

“Women are needed at the forefront of writing, directing and developing new content. Through this initiative, we provide women and members of the LGBTQI+ community scriptwriting and directing entrants into the industry, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds” added MEC Hlophe.

Source: Government of South Africa