Breaking New Ground

Sibuyiselo Dywili's artistic journey takes a bold turn with "The Salt Lesson," marking his debut in English playwriting. This exciting new work not only showcases his versatility but also tackles poignant themes.  In March 2024, Sibuyiselo's talent was recognized when he was selected by The Jakes Gerwel Foundation & Passa Porta to attend a two-week Brussels to Karoo writing residency. This prestigious program provided the space for him to complete the play alongside other talented writers from Belgium and South Africa.

A Collaboration Takes Center Stage

The residency fostered a collaborative environment, bringing Sibuyiselo together with Nele van Den Broeck, Gerda Dendooven and other South African writers; Shireen Mall, Ayanda Xaba, Charl-Pierre Naude. The fruits of their labor were presented at Magnet Theatre under the captivating title "For the Record." Sibuyiselo's "The Salt Lesson" shared the spotlight with two other works, receiving critical acclaim on June 14th and 15th, 2024. The talented cast, featuring veteran actress Jennie Reznek, actor and playwright Gavin Werner, Magnet Theatre graduate Sipho Kalako, and director Themba Stewart himself, brought the stories to life.

Delving into the Depths

"The Salt Lesson" embarks on a powerful exploration of complex themes.  The play follows a young Black man grappling with a white father suffering from dementia who has tragically forgotten his son.  This moving narrative delves into the complexities of race within an interracial family, exploring issues of faith, fatherhood, and family conflict through the unique lens of a dementia patient and his abandoned son.  The play asks a profound question: what does it truly mean to be forgotten?

A Catalyst for Conversation

Sibuyiselo goes beyond presenting a story; he ignites conversation.  Through "The Salt Lesson," he poses a thought-provoking question: imagine a Black man living with his white aunt, caring for his estranged white father as dementia takes hold. When the father questions the very help he receives, dismissing it as worthless, is the resulting conflict a consequence of the caregiver's race? Who defines "angry" in such situations?  These questions challenge our perceptions and invite us to examine the complexities of human relationships.

Sibuyiselo Dywili's "The Salt Lesson" is a testament to his ever-evolving artistry.  This powerful debut not only expands his creative horizons but promises to spark important conversations within the South African theatre scene and beyond.

Sibuyiselo Dywili's artistic journey extends beyond the stage lights.  Recognizing his talent, Lara Foot, CEO of Baxter Theatre, invited him to participate in the prestigious Masambe Playwriting Lab. This program provided the ideal environment for Sibuyiselo to develop his second passion project, a play titled "NGXI!" following the success of his debut, "Ganga Nyoko! Inzima Nyoko!"

The Power of Collaboration

The Masambe Playwriting Lab proved to be an instrumental force in shaping "NGXI!"  The lab provided Sibuyiselo with a dedicated budget for script development and actor recruitment.  This support culminated in staged readings of the play at Baxter Theatre in 2021 and early 2022, allowing audiences to experience the work in progress.

Taking the Stage at Teksmark

Sibuyiselo's talent didn't go unnoticed.  In 2022, "NGXI!" was selected for Teksmark22, a program co-organized by KKNK, NATI, Baxter Theatre, and the University of Johannesburg.  Teksmark's mission is to nurture exciting new South African scripts by providing development opportunities and staged readings.  These readings serve as a platform for playwrights to connect with potential producers and directors who might be interested in further developing or staging the work.  Sibuyiselo's play was presented at the Baxter Theatre for Cape Town writers, giving him valuable exposure within the South African theatre scene.

A Story of Trauma and Transformation

"NGXI!" delves into a powerful exploration of tradition, trauma, and the complexities of family ties.  The play centers around Bhonqo, an aging Xhosa man grappling with his past. When his son expresses a desire to undergo the traditional initiation process, Bhonqo's own traumatic experiences resurface, leading him to resist his son's request.  Set against the backdrop of a newly democratic South Africa in 1997, "NGXI!" explores the weight of tradition and the struggle to move forward from the past.  Bhonqo's refusal to let go of his pain threatens to fracture his family, but ultimately leads to unexpected consequences.

Sibuyiselo Dywili's "NGXI!" is a testament to his dedication to exploring complex themes and his commitment to growth as a playwright.  The play's journey through Baxter Theatre's Masambe Playwriting Lab and its selection for Teksmark22 highlight Sibuyiselo's rising stardom within the South African theatre scene.