CALL FOR CREATIVES: Ecole Nomade Immersive Theatre Workshop

Théâtre du Soleil (“The Theater of the Sun”) is a French avant-garde stage ensemble founded almost 60 years ago by Ariane Mnouchkine and her peers.Théâtre du Soleil’s shows embrace all art forms, allowing productions of a high artistic quality, working in depth on the set design, costumes, masks, lights, live music and stage writing. Each production requires daily rehearsals, extensive research and preparations, during which the members of the company work, eat and think together.

The notion of collective, sharing and equality are at the heart of the philosophy of Théâtre du Soleil, where all employees – 70 people, including Ariane – are paid a single salary, and where everyone is involved in the daily life and upkeep of the place. The practice of Théâtre du Soleil is linked not only to a strong aesthetic but even more to a deep social commitment. Ariane’s guiding principle is to remain faithful to certain ideas in which she believes deeply: freedom of the artist, support for the arts, denunciation of state crimes and immigration rights.

Within the synergies of the collective creation of Théâtre du Soleil, the decompartmentalization takes place spontaneously between the disciplines – scenography, art direction, technique, acting, costumes etc. Théâtre du Soleil has become a living, breathing and collective writing laboratory.

The theatre company has been reinterpreting classics as well as creating plays from devising and improvisation, mostly working closely with writer Hélène Cixous. Théâtre du Soleil is often inspired by non-western theatre techniques and has built close relationships with Eastern cultures (India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, Afghanistan etc.) over the years.

Théâtre du Soleil brings a particular attention to how History is told and the desire to illuminate the past in order to have a better understanding of the present. It explores artistic forms capable of denouncing and resisting the state of the world.

After all these years, Théâtre du Soleil has become an iconic artistic collective in France and abroad, known as a lasting and flamboyant utopia.

About the Workshop

6 artists from Théâtre du Soleil will share, over a period of 2 weeks, their methodology of collective theatre-making with 50 South African creatives of all ages and interests.

Participants will be hosted at Sibikwa Arts Centre and will be offered accommodation and meals. They will be able to learn about Théâtre du Soleil’s creative processes, through experimenting on stage and exchanging with the company but also with the other participants. This theatre workshop is an opportunity to spend time with the South African theatre community, being immersed over 2 weeks in a theatre environment and learning about collective practices. It is about knowing each other, learning from each other and being creative as a collective.

Who can apply?

If you are:

• above the age of 18 years from the SADC region living in South Africa (all ages encouraged)
• with informal/formal training, a minimum of 2 years’ experience in performing arts,
• and passionate about broadening your theatrical experience,

you are welcome to apply to attend this workshop.

• 21 candidates will be selected nationally.
• Travel, accommodation and food for participants will be covered by IFAS.
• Accommodation will be rooms shared by 2 persons and we will try to accommodate preferences (very limited number of single rooms can be offered for specific needs).

How to apply?

Interested candidates must submit a motivation letter (300 words) and CV to : admin@sibikwa.co.za.

Deadline: 23rd May 2023, midnight

Candidates have to be fully available for the whole duration of the training.

Successful participants will be notified on 27 May 2023

Travel to Benoni: 19 June 2023

Workshop dates: 20 June – 1 July 2023

Return: 2 July 2023