Mathibe, a promising young director, is currently in Canada for his two month mentorship programme, where he is working on productions featuring in the Shakespeare in High Park season. Media Update caught up with him to find out how it’s going in Canada.

What is it like working on Julius Caesar for Shakespeare in High Park in Toronto?

It's an incredible experience. I get to work with a very intelligent and intriguing Canadian female director and a cast of vastly diverse actors; some from Los Angeles, others who have their roots in Korea and others who are Spanish and Italian. It's an amazing room filled with an exchange of cultures, experiences and growth.

What have been the highlights of your mentorship so far?

The highlights have been that I got to play an essential role in finding poetry writer, Elaine Maria Upton, who has close ties with South Africa. The director is adding a poet as a character who makes commentary on poignant moments in the play and Elaine Maria Upton's poetry is the voice we have chosen for this function.

What else are you hoping to learn and achieve?

I'm hoping to establish a very strong relationship with the Canadian Stage team as well as acting companies in Canada who are doing significant work. And I'm hoping I'll open the path for many other South African theatre makers to build relationships and opportunities here in Canada, and to also create collaborative work. My dream is that we have a platform for South African artists to work all over the world - because SA artists are that good! And hopefully the relationship established here will be the beginning of that.

How will this opportunity affect your work in SA?

Part of the programme is that when I come back to South Africa I will be directing Barney Simon's Cincinnati, produced by The Market Theatre. This will be coinciding with the 25 year anniversary of Barney Simon's death. I'm also the second person, since Barney Simon himself, to be directing this play. I could weep just thinking of the honour I have been given to be such a significant part of this moment in time in South African theatre history.

How is the production shaping up so far? When does it open?

The production is shaping up really well! Considering the fact that it's the same cast doing both shows for Shakespeare In High Park - we have managed to achieve an incredible amount of work two weeks into the process. Previews start from Thursday, 2 July and opening night is on Thursday, 16 July.

From what you have experienced so far, how does Canadian theatre differ from SA theatre?

I have realised that theatre is theatre, especially when it comes to processing and creating theatre. We all work differently, but that can be said for South African directors as well. Education is what makes one able to walk into any rehearsal room in the world and be able to hold your own in that environment. If you don't have education as a theatre maker, television maker or art maker then you struggle more in holding your own in the international professional arenas. Like I always say; "Talent without education lacks substance."

Anything else you wish to share?

I would like to thank the National Arts Council and The Market Theatre for creating a programme like this for young South African artists. It is so important to create a platform where SA artists can access the international working spaces in whatever art discipline they may be in. And this initiative is helping to create strong relations between South African artists, Canada and the world. I'd also like to thank and recognise the work of Canadian Stage and all those who are involved in translating this great programme into reality. This is a great opportunity and I will do my best to ensure that I play an active role in ensuring its growth and sustainability.

For more information, visit nac.org.za and www.canadianstage.com.