SA: Market Theatre joins Swedish embassy to extend digital platform

The platform, titled Sweden-South Africa Live Connection: Digitally Yours, was launched on 4 April and will run until 2 May. The event series aims to bring together creatives from such disciplines as music, fashion, literature, spoken word, media, government and academia.

Through the Market Theatre, the event series has been extended by four more episodes, which will focus on music, theatre, fine arts and women in film. The event was initially set to air five episodes, which included round-table discussions with curators from various industries in the creative sector.

“In this time of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Market Theatre Foundation supports the passion with which artists are taking their creative expressions online,” Market Theatre CEO Ismail Mahomed said. “The Market Theatre Foundation is committed to support and grow initiatives that have a multiplier effect and multiplier benefit for artists.

“The Market Theatre Foundation’s financial contribution and logistical support for this partnership with the embassy of Sweden and the Hear My Voice NPO is also aimed at advancing platforms that can create some financial relief for artists during these challenging times.”

The Swedish embassy said: “The digital series, Sweden-South Africa Live Connection: Digitally Yours, is aimed at creative industries, affording the opportunity for promoting income generation, co-learning and support in a time of strain, encouraging creatives to seek opportunities to benefit and thrive from the digital revolution.”

The third instalment of the digital series will be livestreamed on 18 April at 7pm and focus on the sustainable fashion industry. It also seeks to highlight the importance of creating a cleaner environment through fashion. The panel will be moderated by award-winning fashion curator Annegret Affolderbach and feature Tshepo Bhengu of South African fabric recycling innovators Rewoven, Swedish costume designer Nina Sandström, South African fashion designer and LVMH Prize finalist Sindiso Khumalo. Swedish ambassador to South Africa Cecilia Julin will join in the conversation.

A complete line-up will be shared on the embassy of Sweden’s social media platforms and website. The digital series will be streamed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.