The Lab on the search for next generation of creative pioneers
By CityLife Arts Writer
You fancy yourself as a John Kani or an Athol Fugard? If the answer is yes, you might be the right person that the world renowned The Market Theatre Laboratory is looking.for.
The Lab as it is popularly known is inviting a new generation of talented and committed actors, theatre-makers, writers, and directors to apply for their famous Theatre and Performance Programme. Applications for study in 2021 are open from August 17 October 19, 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 a professional standard. Facilitated by professional theatre practitioners, the programme focuses on practical experience, and learning through experimentation, exchange, research and making. Each year, twenty first years are selected, a small group that allows for each students’ creative journey to be mentored. The world of performing arts is an everchanging landscape full of opportunities and challenges: this is truer now than ever, with Covid19 forcing 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. Most importantly, we teach young artists to adapt, to experiment, and to 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 that the productions created through or with the Market Theatre Laboratory have won or been nominated for – most recently, Kwasha! Theatre Company and the Market Lab students were nominated for a total of six Naledi Awards this year. We are also proud of the 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 Sicelo Buthelezi, and iconic actress Lindiwe Ndlovu,” says the Lab in its invitation statement.
When the Market Theatre Laboratory opened its doors in 1989, the intention of its founders, Dr John Kani and Barney Simon, was to provide opportunities to talented youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise be able to pursue their passion for the arts or study further. This remains an integral part of the Lab’s purpose, along with a determination to assist young artists to build sustainable careers, and to create space and visibility for subaltern experiences, voices, and identities.
Applicants are encouraged to go on to the Market Theatre Laboratory website to get their application forms: www.marketlab.co.za. Alternatively, application forms can be fetched from the Market Theatre Laboratory offices, The Market Square 138 Lillian Ngoyi Street,Newtown, Johannesburg.
“Please note that if lockdown regulations due to the Covid19 pandemic are still in place, parts of the course may be held online,” The Lab advises would be applicants.