The excitement is palpable as the National Playwright Competition announces its four finalists, each vying for the coveted title and a chance to have their work staged at the 2025 National Arts Festival. Designed to amplify the voices of emerging playwrights, the competition provides invaluable mentorship and a platform for creativity, highlighting the richness of South African storytelling.
This year marks the fourth edition of the competition, which encourages entrants to write in their preferred language, thus embracing the diverse linguistic landscape of the nation. Previous winners include acclaimed playwrights such as Amy-Louse Wilson, Koleka Putuma, and Sibongakonke Mama, who have gone on to achieve significant acclaim in the arts.
Each of the finalists will receive R5,000 and be paired with a mentor, guiding them as they refine their scripts for final presentation. The ultimate victor will not only have their work produced at the prestigious arts festival but will also walk away with an additional R20,000 prize.
Meet the finalists
- Thozama Busakwe from Johannesburg for Sasikhe Sabhabha (IsiXhosa/English) - A creative producer, filmmaker, and theatre practitioner,Thozama draws inspiration from African culture, exploring themes of queerness and existentialism for improved flow. Their impressive background includes work with The Market Theatre and being a youth art ambassador.
- Lwando Sindaphi from Cape Town for I Will Teach You How to Share the Milk (English) - An award-winning theatre director and poet, Lwando has a decade of experience in contemporary performance. As Creative Director of the Lingua Franca Spoken Word Movement, he approaches the stage with a unique blend of scriptwriting and physical theatre.
- Naledi Malotana from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape for The Glass Ceiling (English and isiZulu) - Studying for a BFA at Rhodes University, Naledi delves into themes surrounding identity and social feminism, aiming to foster dialogue on environmental degradation through her poignant storytelling.
- Campbell Meas from Johannesburg for The Mechanics of Play (English) - An actress and director, Campbell has contributed to various award-winning productions. Her dedication to theatre education and intimate storytelling makes her a prominent figure on the local scene.
The National Arts Festival's CEO, Monica Newton, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition, stating, “It all starts with a script and if it’s a South African script, even better. When we tell our own stories in our own languages, we capture the essence of what it is to be South African.”
With an expert panel of 15 adjudicators reviewing the works, the finalists are set to embark on an exciting journey of development and mentorship. Their commitment to challenging norms and pushing the boundaries of theatre speaks volumes about the contemporary cultural scene in South Africa.