…mbabane embraces theatre revival…
…swati stories take centre stage…
…dzeliwe street to become a creative hub…
…local talent gets global exposure…
…artists to gain skills through masterclasses…
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE— The lights are coming on in Mbabane, and this time, the stage is bigger than the theatre itself.
From traditional storytelling and indigenous performances to modern theatre, music, dance and visual art, the capital city is preparing to become a creative playground as the inaugural October International Theatre Festival takes centre stage from October 1–3, 2026.
The festival was officially launched at the Eswatini Theatre Club in Mbabane on Thursday, September 10, with Eswatini Tourism Authority Board Chairperson Penelope Mkhwanazi representing Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu.
Mkhwanazi said the festival arrives at an important moment for Eswatini’s creative industry, while highlighting the role of a vibrant arts sector in strengthening Mbabane as a tourism destination.
Speaking on behalf of the minister, Mkhwanazi connected the festival to Mbabane’s vision of becoming a smart city, arguing that a truly smart city should also be a vibrant city.
She said visitors should be able to experience the capital beyond normal working hours through restaurants, music, arts, culture and entertainment.
“A vibrant city needs a vibrant creative economy,” she said, emphasising the contribution of artists, storytellers, musicians, filmmakers and cultural entrepreneurs to the identity and energy of a city.
The launch also looked back at Eswatini’s theatre journey, which stretches from traditional oral storytelling, music, dance and ceremonies to the development of formal theatre spaces.
Mkhwanazi noted that Western-style drama became more established in Mbabane during the colonial period, eventually contributing to the establishment of the Mbabane Theatre Club in 1963.
She also recognised the contribution of emaSwati theatre pioneers, including Matiwane Manana, who established People’s Educational Theatre in 1989, and Modison Salayedvwa Magagula, who founded Siphila Nje Drama Society during the same year.
According to Mkhwanazi, these initiatives helped create platforms for local performers and audiences while ensuring that theatre could tell stories rooted in siSwati language, culture and community life.
The October Festival now seeks to continue that legacy.
One of the festival’s standout features will be the transformation of Dzeliwe Street into an open creative space.
The street, formerly known as Johnson Street and renamed after Queen Regent Dzeliwe Shongwe, will host a programme bringing together theatre, music, dance, visual art and community activities.
Mkhwanazi said the involvement of the City of Mbabane was significant, describing Mbabane as the home of theatre in Eswatini and praising its resilience and contribution to the country’s arts scene.
The festival will also feature 10 theatre productions and 15 theatre masterclasses, alongside workshops, exhibitions, murals and a street festival.
The festival is being presented by Genesis Ekucaleni Media (GEM), founded by Minister Shakantu, with the initiative built around creating opportunities for Eswatini’s stories, culture and creative talent to reach audiences beyond the country’s borders.
Mkhwanazi said GEM was founded on the belief that Eswatini’s stories matter and that local creatives deserve professional platforms where their talent can be developed and showcased.
She described the name Ekucaleni, meaning “a beginning”, as fitting for an initiative seeking to open another chapter for the country’s creative sector.
She also acknowledged the festival’s founding director, Larry Mhlanga, an experienced actor, creative director, arts manager, producer, choreographer and performing artist with more than 25 years in the creative industry.
Mhlanga was praised for conceptualising the festival and creating a platform that brings local and international creatives together.
The festival also comes at a time when Eswatini has strengthened its theatre infrastructure, with the recently opened International Convention Centre (ICC) featuring a state-of-the-art theatre.
Mkhwanazi said the facility now needs quality local productions that can fill its stages, challenge audiences and bring the venue to life.
She further stressed the importance of international creative exchange, saying visiting artists would give local performers, directors and technicians an opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches.
“Exchange is how we grow,” she said.
With performances, masterclasses and creative activities planned across Mbabane, the October International Theatre Festival is positioning itself as more than a three-day event.
It is a call to revive theatre, celebrate African storytelling and create new opportunities for Eswatini’s creative industry.
As the festival approaches, the message from the launch is clear: the stories of Eswatini belong on the stage — and the world is invited to watch.
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