Sponsored | Talented theatre-makers explode onto the Joburg scene at NCT Young Director Festival

JOHANNESBURG, March 2025 – Five up-and-coming stage directors will showcase their talents this 22-23 March 2025 at National Children’s Theatre’s Young Director Festival 2025, reflecting on 30 years of South African democracy under the theme “Plug and Play: Looking Forward, Looking Back”.

YDF 2025 provides a platform for emerging theatre talent, allowing young directors to bring their creative visions to life with the support of experienced mentors. The festival encourages artistic excellence while empowering young people with leadership, production, and stage-management experience, preparing them for long careers in the creative industry. 

This year’s festival will see five young directors cast actors, oversee rehearsals, and manage full-scale productions, culminating in the five plays being performed on 22-23 March 2025. In the build-up to the shows, these young directors will be guided by NCT’s advisory Think Tank as well as other professional mentors.

On Sunday 23 March, once all five productions have been performed, renowned theatre professional Ryan Dittman will adjudicate the productions in an Oscars-like ceremony, awarding best actor/actress, best choreographer and best set design, and so on. The winning play may earn an extended run at NCT and an opportunity to go on a tour to schools.

“The Young Directors Festival (YDF) 2025 is more than just a showcase – it’s a career-defining opportunity for emerging theatre directors,” says NCT’s Tamara Guhrs. “The festival emphasises diversity, mentorship, and artistic excellence, and it will help shape the next generation of South African theatre makers.”

The festival provides a unique cultural experience, bringing together young artists, community members, and industry leaders to celebrate African creative storytelling and innovative performances.

Guhrs estimates that NCT’s Young Directors Festival will create around 51 jobs – 36 of them for young people, and 35 for women. The festival shows will involve around 40 child and young actors.

Director Aviwe Dasha will present Threads, a children’s play set in a girls’ boarding school in modern-day Johannesburg, where Lihle the Lion is a prideful head girl, and Aphiwe the Mouse is a shy student.

“I’m passionate about creating theatre for children because it has the power to shape young minds, foster confidence, and teach life lessons,” says Dasha. “This production aims to inspire young audiences by blending storytelling with themes of kindness, humility, and collaboration.

The play Hyena’s Tuck Shop is an adaptation of the African folktale The Greedy Hyena and is directed by Mongezi Ntukwana. The production mixes African folk storytelling with food security, a dash of revolution, and a sprinkle of playfulness, for a story that modern children won’t forget.

“Through my work with ASSITEJ and projects like IZINYOKA! and Yangthola! I’ve seen how children respond when theatre doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff,” says Ntukwana of the play. “That’s why I want to create theatre with children that inspires them to think critically, dream boldly, and act fearlessly.

Performer, writer and facilitator Naleli Mercy will make her directorial debut with the play The Great Race. Having just completed her honours degree in theatre and performance at Wits University, Mercy presents an adaptation of the classic fable The Tortoise and The Hare – reimagined into a celebration of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy.

“In our version of the story, the tortoise and the hare race goes through three different terrains that each symbolise a struggle that our nation has had to overcome,” says Mercy of her play. “The Great Race is not just a play – it’s a vibrant, children-led exploration of resilience, fairness and Ubuntu, set against the colourful backdrop of South African culture.”

For Ntokozo Vilakazi, the play she is directing – Visits From The World Of Dreams by Tsholofelo Shounyane – aligns perfectly with her own deep commitment to community empowerment, intergenerational healing and social cohesion. The production tells the story of Gosekwang, a girl who dreams with her eyes open. She uses her special gift to save her town from danger.

“I’m passionate about using theatre to facilitate key educational moments for young audiences,” says Vilakazi. “I founded the Yakhe Yande organisation that works with children and social-development organisations in townships to facilitate positive social impact using the arts. With the Plug and Play initiative, I hope to continue turning my dream into a reality.”

Mapula The rain Queen: An African Musical is directed by Jayson Tsebe, and set in a mystical rural village in Limpopo, South Africa.  In the heart of the Balobedu Kingdom, the sacred lineage of Rain Queens passes mystical powers from mother to daughter. But when a boy child, Mapula, is born, the tribe is thrown into turmoil.

“The play is a musical that draws heavily from African folklore, blending Balobedu rhythms with Afro-soul and R&B,” explains Tsebe. “The play is for all ages, especially children, and it aims to entertain while sparking meaningful conversations about identity, diversity, and the power of self-belief.

What: NCT’s Plug and Play Young Directors Festival 2025

When: 22-23 March 2025.

Run time: Each show runs for about 30 minutes

Book:  Any show or all five shots at www.NCTheatreSA.org/Program

Info: Call Maleboheng at 011 484 1584 or email maleboheng@NCTheatreSA.org.za.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com