A new set of guidelines for handling intimate scenes in film and television shoots was recently released in South Africa. Similar to those adopted in other countries, the protocols were compiled in consultation with the country’s major bodies for industry workers and producers. They provide guidance on how to make cast and crew safe, especially from sexual harassment and assault. Performer and academic Fiona Ramsay asked Kate Lush, a co-creator of the new protocols, why they matter.
Why are the protocols needed?
Historically, actors and students actors were groomed to believe that if they didn’t say yes to whatever the director or lecturer asked, someone else would; this was a side to the industry they’d just have to accept. Actors were rarely asked to interrogate their personal boundaries or comfort levels. As a result sexual harassment, bullying and coercion were rife in all areas of the entertainment industry and throughout academic institutions.
Veteran actors in a bid to save one of SA s prominent arts festivals
12 May 2021 5:04 PM
Top actors and performers have joined hands to save the Hilton Arts Festival.
Hilton Arts Festival, which is known for presenting theatre, music, dance, and fine arts for 30 years in KwaZulu-Natal, is appealing to the public to save the festival by donating.
The festival-like many other businesses have not been able to stay afloat due to the pandemic.
Popular actors and performers such as Dr John Kani, Fiona Ramsay, Greig Coetzee, Nthati Moshesh, and Gcina Mhlope have joined hands in creating a campaign where the public can contribute any amount no matter how big or small, to help keep the event afloat.
Fundraiser set up to help revive hard-hit Hilton Arts Festival
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In an attempt to revive the famous Hilton Arts Festival which is currently on the brink of extinction, theatre personalities and festival management are pleading for donations to keep the festival alive.
Itâs no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic affected the entertainment industry, however, unlike other sectors who have been able to somewhat recover, theatre actors have been hard hit, putting their careers and livelihoods at stake.
âBack-a-Buddyâ â a fundraiser has been set up to collect funds to enable the festival to continue in the light of diminished arts funding. A total amount of R28 957 has been raised so far, but much more is needed to hit a target of R5 million.
South Africa s theatre fraternity has reacted with heartbreak to the announcement that Cape Town s famous Fugard Theatre has closed its doors for good. Fiona Ramsay is head of the department of theatre and performing arts at the University of the Witwatersrand. She asked Ismail Mahomed, a playwright and seasoned theatre and arts festival manager, about what forces aligned to see the theatre close - and whether this could have been prevented.
South Africa’s theatre fraternity has reacted with heartbreak to the announcement that Cape Town’s famous Fugard Theatre has closed its doors for good. Named after the playwright Athol Fugard, the theatre was established in 2010 and produced many landmark productions – such as the musicals King Kong (2017) and Kat and the Kings (2012). Actress and academic Fiona Ramsay is head of the department of theatre and performing arts at the University of the Witwatersrand. She asked Ismail Mahomed, a playwright and seasoned theatre and arts festival manager, about what forces aligned to see the theatre close – and whether this could have been prevented.