MBABANE — More than 150 artists from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana have arrived in Eswatini for the October International Theatre Festival, sharing their skills and experience with local creatives.
The visiting artists conducted master classes in acting, theatre, writing, dance and production for aspiring emaSwati artists. They also staged performances at the Eswatini Theatre Club as part of the festival.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu welcomed the artists and thanked the governments of South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique for supporting their participation.
Minister Shakantu said the exchange provided local creatives with an opportunity to strengthen their technical skills and learn from artists across the region.
She also highlighted the arts as a tool for promoting diplomacy and strengthening relations between countries. The visiting artists, in turn, thanked the minister for her support of Eswatini’s creative industry.
Shakantu also acknowledged the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini, Alliance Française, Eswatini Theatre Club and Youini Loku Gallery for providing venues for the master classes.
Government hopes the exchange will contribute to the development of world-class local productions at the new ICC Theatre, officially opened by His Majesty King Mswati III.
