Association of Swaziland Theater Groups
ASTG Eswatini
Historical Background
The Association of Theatre Groups Eswatini (ASTG Eswatini) is a mother body of individual and group theatre artists in Eswatini, established in 1996 to promote, support and protect the interests of theatre arts genre in Eswatini. At the time very few theatre groups and artists existed in Eswatini which included Peoples Educational Theatre, Siphila Nje Drama Society and Phefumula I Africa. Eswatini Theatre Club formerly Swaziland Theatre Club was very instrumental in the establishment, and the founding members were the leaders of the above groups. The founding chairperson was the late Andrias Mavuso (MHSRP) and the Secretary General was Maswati Dludlu. The committee put a programme that saw the organization coming up with the first of its kind competition to identity a theatre group to represent the country in the first SADC Theatre Festival in Mozambique in 1997. Since then the organization gained ground and recognition within the Ministry of Home Affairs which had the Directorate of Culture, responsible for the arts. Over the years, and with the Establishment of Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, formerly Swaziland National Council of Arts and Council, ASTG was aligned with the new body and became a member since its establishment to date.
The Objectives of the Association are:-
1. To advise the Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture or any authority on matter relating to theatre
2. To facilitate and encourage co-operation amongst theatre practitioners and organizations in and out of Eswatini
3. To ensure that the affairs of members are managed and administered properly and that membership is open to all theatre groups and individuals that pursue similar objectives in Eswatini, provided that such management and administration complies with this constitution and with the international laws that governs each Theatre code.
4. To develop promote encourage and control all forms of theatre in Eswatini on a national basis.
5. To promote public appreciation, understanding and awareness of theatre in Eswatini.
6. To unearth emaSwati theatre artists and making a living through arts
7. To develop and maintain the Theatre infrastructure.
8. Where possible to provide material, financial, technical and other assistance to members in promoting the development of theatre
9. To encourage international cultural exchange programmes and make the public, especially young people aware of the importance of preserving and presenting heritage
10. To facilitate and promote the updating of copyright and preservation laws with the view to ensure maximum protection of local artists against piracy.
11 . To unite theater groups and individuals to promote networking and collaborations.
12. To advocate and lobby for the creation of an enabling environment the development of theatre industry in the Kingdom.
13. To organize and implement festivals or any events aimed at promoting theatre in the Kingdom.
Achievements of ASTG Since her establishment
• Established a development wing called Swaziland Theatre for Children and Young People (SWATCYP-ASSITEJ Eswatini), which did an outreach programme empowering children, youth and youth theatre workers in different parts of the country which saw the establishment of community-based theatre groups in schools and communities;
• One of the founding organizations of Southern Africa Theatre Initiatives in 1999 which linked theatre artists in Southern African countries;
• Sent artists in different workshops, conferences and meetings outside borders;
• Organized theatre events locally to promote the participation of theatre artists;
• Advocated and lobbied government to recognize theatre as a medium of communication hence many theatre groups today are getting commissioned work;
• Advocated and lobbying for inclusion of Drama and Theatre in the School syllabus and also as an extra curricula subject.
Challenges
• Working in isolation and individualism is still rife;
• A brain in theatre despite having well qualified people who are not in the space but doing other things;
• Theatre is still looked down upon and there is lack of professionalism in many instances;
• Lack of resources to support theatre to a professional level;
• Lack of theatre infrastructure to support its development;
• At some point there was a leadership vacuum;
• Has recently established regional committees in line with the National Arts and Culture Policy.
Future of ASTG Eswatini
The future of ASTG Eswatini is the future of theatre in Eswatini. Artists at all level need to come together to shape this future. The current committee comprised of
Name Position
Maswati Dludlu President
Mthulisi Mamba Vice President
Secretary General Nombuso Mamba
Vice Secretary General Ncamiso Dlamini
Treasurer Bheki Nhleko
Hhohho Rep Bonginkhosi Mnisi
Manzini Rep Hloniphile Sihlongonyane
Shiselweni Rep Sifiso Mmema
Lubombo Rep Nqobile De Klerk
For those who want to join ASTG to build a strong theatre genre register with one for individual and the other one for groups.
https://form.jotform.com/252197989688586
https://form.jotform.com/252482805602556
For more information contact 76705353/79590618
Operational Space: Eswatini Theatre Club
Email: astgeswatini457@gmail.com