The 10th Annual Inkundla Theatre Festival, held on June 15, 2023, was a resounding success. Prior to the main event, a three-day workshop was organized to train and groom the participants for the competition. Experienced professionals in theater, comedy, and arts business were invited to assist in perfecting the participants' craft. Renowned practitioners such as Xolani Dlongolo, a director, scriptwriter, and founder of his own production company, and TK Ngubane, a sound technician and lecturer, were among the invited guests.
The festival kicked off with a captivating opening act by Inzwakazi Dance Production, directed and choreographed by Nomzamo Precious Mthusi. Their production, titled "Somnus," depicted the war between realms during sleep paralysis. Following that, the duo Gap and Salad took the stage as comedic directors, guiding the program through all the participating groups and performances.
Several groups showcased their talent during the festival, including Indalo, a music group that serenaded the crowd with their afro-soul holistic sound, and Talente Sithole, a versatile artist who blends afro-soul and hip-hop in his music, which he describes as "storytelling." Last year's winners, The Chosen Stars, also performed their new production titled "Behind The Mask." The play shed light on the struggles faced by South African women and their endurance in the face of gender-based violence. It was directed and written by Khulekani Mtshali.
The competition was adjudicated by Sithobile Hlope, representing the International Film Festival, Mr. Khumalo, the deputy president of CCIFSA, and Siphesihle Cele, an actor known for his work in mainstream TV programs and one of the first winners of Inkundla Theatre Festival. The participants brought their best performances, competing against each other for the top prizes. Out of seven teams, the third-place winners were Black Nation, who presented a two-hander performance on the topic of Gender-Based Violence, portrayed by Luyanda Ngcungama and Mnqobi Sithole. In second place, Ikhaya Lamaciko showcased their production named "The Braveness of Nolizwe," also a two-hander performance by Ntombizakithi Ncayiyana and Thulisile Nqoko. The first-place winners were Mshibe Art production, directed and written by Nokubonga Mtuli.
With the prizes awarded to the winners and all the final arrangements completed, the day session of the Inkundla Theatre Festival was deemed a success.
The second session of the festival featured Comedy in Comedy, drawing a large audience from the South Coast. The lineup for the show included renowned comedians such as Nonto R, Simphiwe Shembe, Sphelele Ndlebe, Siyanda Maphumulo, Church boy, and the founder of Comedy in Comedy, Tsoro the comedian. Their performances were met with great enthusiasm from the crowd and confirmed that the night was a memorable one.
Thus, the events of the entire day unfolded exactly as planned, providing an amazing experience for all attendees. With the successful conclusion of Chapter 10, the organizers are now looking forward to the next installment of the Inkundla Theatre Festival.
