Whatshot
Musho! for Musho!
Musho! for Musho!
Once more the standard of the productions was remarkably high and the selection of productions covered a diverse range of subjects: friendships, families and love in all its guises; finding a humane face to the horrors of war; ghosts and zombies; paramedics and bird-lovers; funerals, death, and dying; satire, comedy.... and the quirky and whimsical. Productions came from the Netherlands (courtesy of Twist Projects) and Mozambique (courtesy of Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Development Council) and from closer to home - from Johannesburg, the Mozambique border and a strong contingent from Pietermaritzburg.
"The work this year was of an exceptionally high standard, and this reflected in the audience's response to the performances and the number of people that came back to the theatre, for show after show. The festival continues to grow and we were delighted to offer such a variety of work this year that showcased engaging concepts, writing and performance. It was an inspiring week for those of us who worked on the festival, as well as those who came to watch," says Emma Durden, Musho! festival director.
Musho! Festival offers a selection of awards to festival participants. In the emerging artists category, the Audience Favourite went to the two-hander about the life of paramedics: Burn- Out (JC Zondi and Simphiwe Ngcobo); the Audience Favourite runner up went to The Toilet (Ubizo Theatre Company) and a special mention award went to Beyond Trust (Thandimpilo Theatre Group).
In the Professional theatre category, the Audience Favourite went to Termite (Written by Greig Coetzee, directed by Peter Mitchell); the Audience Favourite runner up went to a charming show for very young audiences: Sunshine Babies (written and directed by Gisele Turner) and a Special Mention Award went to Sweetie Darling (written and directed by Clinton Marius).
The Suliman Family Award - an award given to the best show of the festival, sponsored by the Suliman Family and judged this year by Devaksha Moodley and Tash Reddy - went to Sweetie Darling. The ArtSmart Special Award for best behind the scenes contributor went to Motaung Koalane.
For photos, reviews and festival information, visit the Musho! website: https://www.mushofestival.co.za;