Six young playwrights got the opportunity to showcase their talent this past weekend at the Suidoosterfees; they had the best time!
Cape Town, South Africa (02 May 2023) – The Fundza Literacy Trust and Suidoosterfees collaborated to showcase the work of six young playwrights at the annual arts and culture festival which took place from 26 April to 1 May.
These talented young writers, aged between 18 and 23 years old, are winners of a scriptwriting competition run earlier this year by Fundza and Suidoosterfees. With the guidance of their mentor, actress and writer Melissa Myburgh, the playwrights spent countless hours refining their scripts and perfecting their 20-minute plays. They then got the chance to perform them at the festival.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform for these young writers to showcase their talent and creativity, refine their skills, and learn from experienced mentors,” says Lea-Anne Moses, Fundza’s Executive Director. “Their work is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of promoting literacy and multilingualism among South African youth.”
The young playwrights were Andrew Munnik, Casey Jacobs, Elzaan Daniels, Nawaal Adams, Miché Cloete, and Savannah Steyn. Each of these talented writers brings a unique perspective and style to their work.
“We are excited to see these young voices come to life on stage and to share their stories with the world,” says Moses. “We hope their work will inspire other young South Africans to explore their own creativity and see the power of storytelling in their own lives.”
About the rising playwrights
Andrew Munnik
Andrew Munnik is a writer and director with a taste for the whimsically macabre. Currently working with Comic Book Resources, he enjoys blurring the line between the real and the unreal across a plethora of platforms.
Andrew’s story – ‘XVI- The Tower – uses the imagery of towers. What would happen if the world suddenly shut down and everybody lost their towers, and everything just stopped? A devastation like that would tear through the heart and soul of a person.
Casey Jacobs
Casey Jacobs is taking a gap year after completing school. She is passionate about drama and scriptwriting.
Casey’s story – ‘Getting to know You’ – is about a young woman named Amber who studies at her local bookstore every evening, as far as the bookstore employee can tell… The two know nothing of each other until they are forced into an impossible situation.
Elzaan Daniels
Elzaan Daniels is a second-year student at AFDA, majoring in Writing and Directing. She loves telling stories. Her own and giving life to others.
Elzaan’s story – ‘Hêppie Birfday, meisieKind’ – introduces us to Karoline. She is turning 18 years old, and birthdays are extremely important to her. But how important is she to the people spending her birthday with her – and what damage have they done to her in her life?
Nawaal Adams
Nawaal Adams is a performer and storyteller. She currently works with the Second Chance Theatre Project as a facilitator, performer, and writer. She completed her MA in Applied Theatre this year and is waiting for her dissertation results.
Nawaal’s story – Bid net my kind – introduces Zahra. Born and bred in a small muslim community, Zahra navigates her mental health, her faith, and her mother’s “wat gaanie mense sê” attitude.
Miché Cloete
Miché Cloete is studying Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Cape Town. She is passionate about writing, performing, and teaching Theatre and Performance.
Miché’s story – ‘Dis My skuld’ – shares a laugh with our favourite aunties while we follow the journey of young Keenan. Wie se skuld is dit? Dis my skuld.
Savannah Steyn
Savannah Steyn is a quirky, passionate and out-of-the-box storyteller. Trained as a theatre maker and facilitator her work looks to find laughter in the sad and serious. She encourages inclusion and activism through art and storytelling.
Savannah’s story – ‘3C’ – is about Sasha and Jo, who could not be more different – from the styles they like to the friends they have. But both girls are equally funny. One dorm room, two roommates and a very hairy situation.
You can find out more about the FunDza Literacy Trust here.
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