20 Mar 2009 Industry Conversations is a fresh initiative implemented by Wits Theatre’s general manager, Melanie Keartland, in 2009.

The purpose of these conversations is to invite a member from the arts industry (an expert in their field) to have a conversation with interested students, Wits staff, media and members of the public, which enhances our understanding of how we fit into the greater theatrical context.

The conversations take place in the production venue with a discussion followed by a Q & A session (running time +- 60 minutes);

The first conversation took place on Mon 9 February @ 17h30 in the Wits Amphitheatre; Dietrich De Beer from DALRO (Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation) was the invited guest  and he spoke about the business of musical theatre (LOST IN THE STARS) and brought copyright issues under the spotlight.
 
The next conversation is the Wits /NYU collaboration of Jumping Puddles (directed by Leila Henriques and Vanessa Cooke) which takes place in The Nunnery on Monday 20 April @ 17h30 with industry guest, Geraldine Naidoo.

Geraldine Naidoo is the award-winning director and writer of The Chilli Boy and Hoot. Both shows are still attracting capacity crowds wherever they tour and The Chilli Boy recently enjoyed a sold-out season on London’s West-End.

In 2007 Geraldine was lauded with the Rosalie Van Der Gucht prize for new directors at the prestigious Fleur Du Cap awards in Cape Town for her work on HOOT. Both THE CHILLI BOY and HOOT have been the top-selling shows of the 2004 and 2005 National Arts Festival fringe respectively.  HOOT was again the top-selling show of the 2006 and 2007 National Arts Festival fringe.  HOOT briefly toured the Netherlands for a short season in 2006 where the play received standing ovations.

In January/February 2008, Geraldine produced Cape Town’s sensational comedian Nik Rabinowitz in his brilliant stand-up comedy show, ONE MAN ONE GOAT, at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre.  She produced ONE MAN ONE GOAT again in Johannesburg in October 2008.     

Jumping Puddles has Leila Henriques teaming up with four Wits students and four students from New York University to create a new theatre piece about young people and how they fit into their different worlds today. Through improvisation, observation of the places they find themselves in, and additional research, they will create a series of monologues and duologues using Barney Simon’s workshop techniques. The piece as a whole will examine the minute shared details of individual lives, and how they are affected by a shared global event.

ALL WELCOME

FORTHCOMING INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS:
Previously Owned, written and directed by Greg Homann, Wits Downstairs Theatre -         Industry guest: an international producer, Tuesday 21 April @ 17h30
 
Chasing the Edge – physical theatre, directed by Jane O’ Connell, Wits Theatre –              Industry guest: Georgina Thomson (FNB Dance Umbrella Festival director),Tuesday 12 May @ 17h30  
  
Entrance is free and the conversations take place in a venue allocated to a specific production.
Light meals and a full cash bar can be enjoyed in Café Dulce, situated in the Wits Theatre Foyer.
Free, covered parking in the adjacent Senate House (the entrance is on Jorissen Street) ensures peace of mind.

PRODUCTION:  INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS
VENUE:  Wits Theatre Complex
RUNNING TIME: 60 minutes
BOOKING:  Free Admission                                             
ENQUIRIES: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 011 717-1376