Bailey Snyman and Nicola Haskins of The Matchbox Theatre Collective were awarded a Gold Standard Bank Ovation Award in the Contemporary Dance category for their production The Anatomy of Weather, at the National Arts Festival. The production was one of two shows chosen from the Fringe programme to represent South Africa and the National Arts Festival at the Amsterdam Fringe Festival this year, as part of the World Fringe Alliance. The Pink Couch’s …miskien, directed by Tara Notcutt and winner of a Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award for theatre in 2010, was the other production.
Both South African productions have won acclaim in Holland and have received 5 Stars from the Fringe Review. Accolades from international reviewers describe the works as “truly one of the highlights of the Amsterdam Fringe Festival 2011” and “an altogether fine theatrical experience – one which is worthy of its acclaim”.
Shakespeare’s R&J has been invited to the 8th International Shakespeare Festival, along with Richard III and thus making it two National Arts Festival/Abrahamse & Meyer Productions that will be presented in Romania during April/May next year.
Richard III was presented on the Main programme of the National Arts Festival in 2010, and Shakespeare’s R&J was presented on the Main programme this year. The production has also enjoyed a successful run at various other theatres, including a recent run at the Fugard Theatre Studio in Cape Town.
The 2012 slogan of the world-renowned International Shakespeare Festival, an annual celebration of Shakespeare’s work, is “The world’s a stage, we are the actors”. There are about 70 theatre critics, journalists, and Shakespeare specialists who will be in the city of Craiova during the festival.
“As an independent producer a lot of our work would not come to fruition without the support and vision of Festivals like the National Arts Festival. The National Arts Festival provides the vital nutrients to nurture the performing arts industry. Thanks to the National Arts Festival we are honoured to be the first company from Africa to be invited to participate at this prestigious international festival alongside some of the world’s greatest theatre companies.” said Fred Abrahamse.
“The National Arts Festival is in deed proud that we have been able to create these opportunities for our outstanding artists to be showcased on significant international platforms while at the same time we are able to focus strongly on continuing to strengthen the capacity of our artists locally.” said Ismail Mahomed, National Arts Festival Director.
