MBABANE – The October International Theatre Festival (OITF), scheduled for October 1 to 3, 2026 in Mbabane, has announced that registration for its creative arts masterclasses is officially closed after overwhelming public demand.
Registration opened 20 days ago, with organisers targeting 30 participants per workshop across five venues, Yini Loku Gallery, American Corner, Alliance Française, Eswatini Theatre Club Auditorium and the Candlelight Room. The programme was designed to accommodate 150 participants daily, but several sessions exceeded capacity. Acting workshops recorded 55 registrations for Day One and 72 for Day Two.
“The response has been amazing and overwhelming. It demonstrates that local actors and performers are hungry for theatre, skills development and meaningful creative exchange,” said Festival Director Larry Mhlanga.
Workshops will run from 9am to noon, followed by afternoon and evening theatre productions. Participants will therefore experience both practical training and live performances, including productions involving some workshop facilitators.
The facilitator line-up includes Hamilton Dlamini of WOZA ALBERT, Abednigo Moruti Dlamini, Napo, Dr Disi Sindo, Zenzo Nyathi of Zimbabwe and Alexandre Xindiro of Mozambique, who will lead two days of dance workshops.
Renowned Artistic Director and TX Theatre CEO Mxolisi The Great will facilitate Directing for New Directors. His intensive session will introduce directing fundamentals, character development, casting and translating stories into performance.
The inaugural OITF will unite artists from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, presenting more than 10 productions over three days.
“We are making history, telling African stories and restoring the culture of theatre. We appreciate every partner helping make this dream a reality,” Mhlanga added.
Although workshop registration is closed, festival tickets remain available through MojaTicket. Patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Programme updates are available on the October International Theatre Festival Facebook page.
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