By Ruvesen Naidoo
After an exciting eighteen years of working with the National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda, Fringe Programme, Zikhona Monaheng is sadly bidding farewell to her team and moving on to the next era of her life.
Grocott’s Mail asked Monaheng a few questions about her journey at NAF, which, according to her, started in 2005 as a Rhodes University student.
What inspired you to become involved in the Fringe Programme at NAF in the first place? When did you start at NAF?
I like to believe that the bug bit me while I was a Rhodes University student, and I had decided not to travel home during the June/July vacation. There was a great vibe, and I wanted to experience more of the Festival. In 2005, I was fortunate enough to land a sub-warden job and also received a call for a role as a temporary media assistant at the National Arts Festival; I then became the Box Office manager and then Fringe Manager from 2010 – as they say, the rest is history.
Looking back on your career, what are some of the most memorable theatre productions you’ve participated in during the festival?
There are simply too many to mention here. Working in the creative industry allows you to meet and team up with incredible people who make the experience unforgettable.
How has the Fringe Programme evolved under your guidance, and what changes have you witnessed in the industry?
The way technology is evolving or advancing has undoubtedly simplified our operations and application processes. When I first joined the team, I recall that artists had to manually fill out their applications; now, it’s all done online. Also, during COVID-19, I witnessed artists being flexible and adjusting to the then-new norm; it was stunning to see their creativity.
Can you share some challenges you’ve faced while curating the Fringe Programme, and how did you overcome them?
Of course, we work with artists, so the unexpected is always around the corner! From unexpected [scenarios]at the family-friendly Sundowner Concerts to last-minute production cancellations and an incident involving a magician and an arrow! Through it all, my ability to think quickly, communicate clearly, and have a calm demeanour helped me get over those obstacles.
As you leave your role, what advice do you have for your successor in maintaining the success of the Fringe Programme?
It has to be someone who can troubleshoot on the go, be agile, pay attention to details, and enjoy interacting with diverse people. There’s a lot to deal with, and no day is the same.
Are there any specific theatre productions or moments that you feel particularly proud of during your tenure as the Fringe Programme manager?
It’s challenging to respond to that question because I felt proud of all the Fringe artists and their productions in one way or another. Knowing the difficulties faced by artists, it is always lovely to put a face to a name and meet them in person in Makhanda and see how proud they are to be part of this prestigious festival.
How has the relationship between the Festival and the theatre community strengthened during your time as the Fringe Programme manager?
I think it’s grown stronger, and both the audience and artists have become much more diverse, which has made the Festival so much stronger and richer. The Fringe has become more and more important as a space to showcase new work in times when such spaces are scarce. Our team is really invested in making this space possible and truly shining the spotlight on artists regardless of their background, experience and ideas, and I think they can feel that.
What are the future trends or opportunities for the NAF Fringe Programme?
The Festival is very focused on the development of new voices and new artists, and while funding constraints mean we are short of reaching all these dreams yet, the NAF is hoping to help create more opportunities and make it easier for artists to reach the Fringe.
As you step into a new phase of your life, how do you envision your continued involvement or support for the arts and theatre in your community?
I’m fortunate to still be in the sector and continue working with the creatives. Although I’m no longer a member of the NAF core team, I will undoubtedly be at the 50th anniversary celebrations.
