ESWATINI HOSTS FREE THEATRE MASTERCLASSES

By Tlalane Dlamini

MBABANE – This October, Eswatini’s vibrant arts scene takes center stage as the October International Theatre Festival (October 1 – 3, 2026) brings together performers, playwrights, and creatives from across Southern Africa. Alongside a packed programme of live productions, the festival will offer free theatre masterclasses at five of Mbabane’s most distinctive cultural venues: American Corner, Alliance Française, the Candlelight Room at Eswatini Theatre Club, the Eswatini Theatre Club Auditorium, and Yini Loku Gallery.

Designed to inspire and upskill local talent, the workshops will be led by seasoned theatre practitioners from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Botswana. Sessions will dive into core areas of theatre craft, from writing and performance to production and direction, offering practical tools and mentorship for artists, writers, women in the arts, and emerging creatives.

Festival Coordinator Nothando Mhlanga emphasided that accessibility is at the heart of the initiative: “These masterclasses are a cornerstone of our festival programme. We want local artists and storytellers to gain direct insight from experienced professionals, without any financial barrier.”

Registration for the free masterclasses opens on August 25, 2026 and will close once each workshop reaches its cap of 40 participants per day. With five workshops running simultaneously each day, attendees may choose one session per day in their area of interest. In total, the three-day programme is expected to reach over 750 creatives across all five venues.

Festival Director and Curator Larry Mhlanga encourages aspiring participants to follow the October International Theatre Festival Facebook page for updates on facilitators, session topics, and registration links. He also notes that the Eswatini Theatre Club page will carry key announcements, as the Club serves as the festival’s main host and venue partner.

Beyond the masterclasses, the festival will stage 10 theatre productions over three days, featuring both local and international companies. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, this convergence of performance, dialogue, and creative energy offers a rare opportunity to experience Eswatini’s growing reputation as a regional hub for the performing arts.

“This will be a true feast of theatre in Eswatini,” added Larry Mhlanga. “We invite everyone, locals and visitors alike to be part of this celebration.”

For more information, follow the October International Theatre Festival on Facebook or visit the Eswatini Theatre Club page for venue and event updates.