“We have employed a new CEO, Dr. Sibongiseni Mkhize, who is already a big player in the arts, culture and heritage sector. I have also invited Bernard Jay, former CEO of Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, in his freelance capacity to executive produce a series of major productions in our massive 1313 seater Opera Theatre,” Sekhabi says.
Sekhabi has ensured the State Theatre will feature ten of the most diverse programmes, namely; the main programme, indie spotlight, Community Arts Dramaturgy Outreach (CADO), incubator, jazz and African music nights, Tshwane comedy nights, Youth X-pressions Festival, Vavasati International Women’s Festival, Mzansi Fela Festival, Home Theatre SA festival and the Mahofi Precinct programme.
“Our artistic offering will be featuring acts from many parts of our country and will cater for the young and old,” says Sekhabi.
The
new CEO is excited to be joining The State Theatre at a time when it is already receiving recognition for its dynamic artistic programme.
“Sekhabi’s programmes deal robustly with the realities of the new South Africa and I hope to continue in this vein, to assist in bringing even more transformation to the arts sector via our stages, events, festivals and other exciting programmes,” Mkhize says.
Jay, who is already well-known for transforming the Johannesburg Civic Theatre into the more current and dynamic Joburg Theatre, has a reputation for putting bums on seats and producing theatrical box-office hits. He served as the CEO and executive producer at Joburg Theatre for 13 years before going freelance.
“I have already contracted five major productions to The State Theatre for its 2016/17 artistic programme and am looking forward to producing them in the stunning Opera Theatre,” says Jay. “These titles will comprise of a mixture of newly produced legendary and contemporary theatre musicals – with completely South African casts and creative teams – and the very best of international touring shows.”
The State Theatre’s partnership with Jay will see big titles like Burn the Floor, Saturday Night Fever, Memphis, The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show and The Color Purple hit the stage. Three of these productions will feature all South African artists and for the first time at the State Theatre these will be non-replicated productions.
“As a result, we will offer local directors an opportunity to highlight their formidable talents,” says Sekhabi.
The main programme will not only include Jay’s big five but will also feature some new and relevant productions such as Paul Slabolebszy’s Suddenly Today.
“This is very exciting for us as we haven’t presented this talented playwright’s works in a long time,” Sekhabi says.
Also, as part of the main programme, the State Theatre will present true South African Stories, namely 31 days directed by Itumeleng Motsikoe. Plus, the Gauteng Opera will be bringing back the spirit of opera by collaborating with the State Theatre to offer vibrant and dramatic local stories, which are both traditional and contemporary.
With the thrilling theatre programme ranging from thought-provoking indie pieces to big global hits, as well as the raucous, laugh-out-loud comedy events and vibrant festivals, it’s no wonder the State Theatre is playing a vital role in the transformation of the South African arts scene.
“I strongly anticipate 2016/17 to be a great year and personally believe Gauteng, South African and overseas audiences are in for a real treat. South African theatre is alive and thriving at the State Theatre,” concludes Sekhabi.
The State Theatre looks forward to working with its stakeholders and sponsors in 2016, namely the City of Tshwane, City Property, Department of Arts and Culture, TMI music, Nubreed, Usutu, M-Net, the many directors, producers, artists, crews and the press.