Following a 6-month restructuring process, The Windybrow Theatre was re-launched on Thursday, 04 May 2006 at a celebratory event. “It was during this necessary hiatus that every aspect of the institution was reviewed and improved upon and the Windybrow is now positioned to fulfil its mission as a Cultural Institution”, says Vuyo Maphela, CEO the Windybrow Theatre. “While there is further work to be done, particularly on restoring the Windybrow building, we are determined to deliver a sustained, high-quality programme over the next year.”

After broad consultation the Windybrow now has a clear, balanced strategy to guide its actions; an exciting artistic and development programme for 2006 has been developed; its branding has been refreshed; many compliance shortcomings have been overcome; theatre infrastructure has been revamped; and the organisation’s capacity to develop and produce artistically has been augmented through key appointments.

During April, Mncedisi Shabangu, former Associate Artistic Director of The Market Theatre, was appointed Artistic Director of the Windybrow; Zodwa Shongwe was appointed as Producer; and Kgafela Oa Magogodi, a poet and lecturer at Wits University, has been appointed to develop and deliver the Windybrow’s development programmes.

“A key feature of our strategy and brand is that we recognise the huge artistic value of exchange between African performing artists and institutions. We believe that the Windybrow is ideally located physically and historically to facilitate such a process on a sustainable basis,” says Maphela.

Another key focus area over the next year is development; more specifically the development of scriptwriters, performance poets and children’s theatre.

The first production to be staged this year, Socks and Toothpaste, which opens on 19th May, is a good example of the kind of interaction envisaged. This comedy is written by renowned Zambian playwright Barney Kanjela and is being directed by Rapulana Seiphemo.

“We are humbled by the support we have had from our Council members, the Department of Arts and Culture, our Artistic Advisory Committee, the Hillbrow/Berea community and other stakeholders in our efforts to turn the Windybrow around. This gives us the firm conviction that we are on the right track and that the Windybrow is poised to deliver,” concludes Maphela.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
LINDELWA MAHLABE
Tel: (011) 720 0003/4
E-mail: lindi@windybrowarts.co.za