A Conversation with Nicole Franco

Nicole Franco is a stage and screen actress currently starring in the Broadway and West End smash-hit, The Play That Goes Wrong which is currently playing at Theatre on the Bay following a sold out run in Johannesburg. A returned season of the production has just been announced for Joburg later this year. In addition to acting, Nicole also works as a second language teacher. We sat down to discuss this hilarious new play and her diverse career.  Continue reading

A Conversation with Tara Notcutt

Theatremaker Tara Notcutt is a director, writer and producer. Her debut production, …miskien took the theatre industry by storm and won her a Fleur du Cap Award for Best New Director, cementing her as a prolific theatremaker. Since then she has helmed multiple award-winning shows including The Three Little Pig, The Gruffalo, Mafeking Road, After Dark in the Groot Marico, just to name a few. We sat down at Alexander Bar to chat about her career, the success surrounding her debut production and finding ways to fall back in love with her career.  Continue reading

A Conversation with Jennie Reznek

Jennie Reznek is multihyphenate. She is a performer, theatremaker, director, choreographer, lecturer, co-founder, trustee and director of Magnet Theatre. She has also worked as an aerialist and clown in the circus. We sat down with her at the Magnet Theatre offices to discuss her career, the challenges of founding a theatre company and the moments that have inspired her.  Continue reading

A Conversation with Jaqueline Dommisse

The World Cup of children’s theatre is headed to South Africa. Internationally renowned children’s theatre organisation ASSITEJ proudly presents it’s 19th world congress and performing arts festival, The Cradle of Creativity, a 10 day event that celebrates the very best of children’s theatre from around the world. We spoke to Festival Director, Jaqueline Dommisse about the festival and her career as a theatremaker. Continue reading

A Conversation with Tinarie van Wyk Loots

Stage and screen actress Tinarie van Wyk Loots is currently performing in Hemelruim at The Fugard Theatre, a role that has already awarded her Best Actress at The Aardklop National Arts Festival, the KKNK and at the kykNET Fiëstas 2016. In this year alone, Tinarie has already appeared on stage in five major productions. Awards and production credits aside, Tinarie radiates passion for the work that she does.

To read the conversation in Afrikaans please click here.
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Spotlight on SWIFT

Jacqui-Lee Katz, Flavia Motsisi and Zoe Chiriseri are three core board members of SWIFT. SWIFT stands for Sisters Working in Film and Television. They are a South African based NPO for women in film & TV. Sarafina Magazine sat down with Jacqui-Lee, who heads up their Social Media and Marketing committee, Flavia, who works in the Skills and Mentorship subcommittee and Zoe, who works within the organisational structure, to learn more about this brand new and vital organisation.

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A Conversation with Carlynn de Waal-Smit

Carlynn de Waal-Smit is essentially a superhero in the industry. She is an agent and founder of Contractors Artists. She is also an advocate for the rights of professional actors, serving as the National Secretary of SAGA, a guild which she helped form. She also serves on the executive board of the PMA. For the past few years, Carlynn has championed for fair and ethical treatment of performers in the industry. We sat down to discuss SAGA, the misconceptions surrounding being an agent and the future for actors in South Africa.  Continue reading

A Conversation with Hayleigh Evans

Hayleigh Evans is a theatremaker and co-founder of POPArt, an independent Johannesburg based theatre, production company and performing arts centre that is located in the heart of Maboneng. Now in its 6th year, POPArt has become a staple in the Johannesburg theatre industry and has helmed some of South Africa’s most exciting, edgy and celebrated work. Continue reading

Meet the Cast of Rent part 2

Following its run in Cape Town, The Stephan Fourie Theatre Company’s production of Rent is making its way to Johannesburg. We sat down with the three principal actresses in the show, Nadine Suliaman, Emily Adair and Namisa Mdlalose who play the roles of Mimi, Maureen and Joanne, respectively. You can read part one of our chat with the female ensemble of Rent by clicking hereContinue reading

Meet the Divas of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

The internationally renowned production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is finally making its South African debut. We had the opportunity to sit down with the three Divas of the show: Candida Mosoma, Londiwe Dhlomo-Dlamini and Thembeka Mnguini, to chat about the show, their fears of flying and their personal definition of what it means to be a diva. To see the Divas in action performing It’s Raining Men on the Expresso Show click here. Continue reading