Aubrey W Sekhabi

Aubrey W. Sekhabi is a prominent South African playwright, director, and artistic director of the South African State Theatre. Known for his award-winning productions and contribution to the arts, Sekhabi has established himself as a prominent figure in the South African theater industry.
==Early life and education==
Aubrey W. Sekhabi's passion for the arts developed at a young age. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he nurtured his love for theater and storytelling. Sekhabi attended the University of the Witwatersrand, where he earned a Master's Degree (Cum Laude) in Dramatic Arts.
==Career==
Sekhabi's career began in 1985 when he wrote his first play, Back to School, followed by Save The People in 1986.[] In 1992, at the age of 24, he was appointed as the Resident Director of the Bophuthatswana Arts Council. Later that year, he became the Artistic Director of the North-West Arts Drama Company, a position he held for eight years. During this period, Sekhabi produced numerous successful productions and mentored many emerging artists.
In 2002, Sekhabi took up the role of Artistic Director at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria. During his tenure, he spearheaded the establishment of several main festivals, including Mzansi Fela, Kucheza Afrika Festival, Vavasati International Festival, and Youth Expressions Festivals. His commitment to developing the theater industry led him to create the Education, Youth, and Children's Theatre (EYCT) department and the SAST Youth Expressions Festival, formerly known as Basha.
Under Sekhabi's leadership, the South African State Theatre has staged numerous award-winning productions and expanded its reach to previously disadvantaged artists and audiences. He has played a critical role in the selection, development, and staging of over 1,652 in-house productions. Through these productions, over 13,169 jobs have been created, 333 artists have received dramaturgical support, and 153 community groups have been developed. His efforts have resulted in over 3,069,635 audience members experiencing the theater's productions.
As a playwright, Sekhabi has written and co-written several notable plays, including Mika (1993–94), Rivonia Trial (2010), Marikana – The Musical (2014), and Freedom (2018). His work spans various genres, from straight drama to musicals. His directing experience includes notable productions such as Sizwe Bansi is Dead (2006), Kalushi – The Story of Solomon Mahlangu (2010), and Mother of Freedom (2021).
In addition to his contributions to the theatre, Sekhabi has also made contributions to the television industry. He co-wrote the detective series Orlando in 2000 and played a role in adapting the British comedy series Keeping Up Appearances into a local comedy series called Mponeng. He also created, wrote (part episodes), and executive-produced the medical series Hillside for SABC 2.
==Awards and recognition==
Throughout his career, Aubrey W. Sekhabi's work has received numerous accolades and nominations.His production Marikana – The Musical was nominated thirteen times at the Naledi Theatre Awards in 2015 and won six awards, including Best Director, Best Production, and Best Score/Arrangement/Adaptation, solidifying Sekhabi's reputation as a talented and accomplished artist. In 2019, he once again received the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Score/Arrangement/Adaptation for his work on Freedom – The Musical, which he co-created with Kabelo "BonafideBillie" Togoe.
Sekhabi's dedication to the arts extends beyond his creative work. He has served on various councils and committees, including the North-West Provincial Arts Culture Council in 2004 and the Council of the National English and Literary Museum in 2009. He was also a member of the National Arts Festival committee and served as a Member of the Advisory Panel at the Tshwane University of Technology in Performance Arts from 2010 to 2011. From 2018 to June 2020, he served as a member of the Baxter Theatre Council.
Sekhabi's contributions have extended beyond South Africa's borders. In 2013, he was part of the Creative Team responsible for curating the Orange Africa Cup of Nations arts program. In 2017, under the Department of Arts and Culture, he led a performing delegation to China on a BRICS mission, representing the People-to-People Mechanism (PPEM) Cultural Performance. He has also taken part in cultural exchanges and performances in countries such as Brazil, Angola, and Dubai.
In 2015 and 2016, in partnership with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Marcus Faustini Agencia, Sekhabi introduced Home Theatre to Tshwane, a groundbreaking initiative in the South African theater industry. The project involved staging thirty shows performed in thirty homes around Tshwane, featuring thirty actors and collaborating with thirty student filmmakers.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sekhabi Led a smooth transition from live theater to online theater by developing online live theater offerings and magazine programs, such as Onstage, Onset, Conversation with the Author, and SAST Fringe. These programs were eventually screened in Ster Kinekor [] cinemas across South Africa and even at the São Paulo 2nd Virtual International Movie Festival in 2021. 
Currently, under Sekhabi's guidance, the South African State Theatre is preparing to launch SAST TV, showcasing an exciting new chapter in the theater's history. With his artistic vision, commitment to nurturing talent, and dedication to the advancement of South African theater, Aubrey W. Sekhabi continues to leave an indelible mark on the arts landscape, inspiring both artists and audiences alike.
==Notable productions==
* Marikana – The Musical []
* Freedom – The Musical []
* Sophiatown [ ]
* Rivonia Trial []
==Awards and recognition==
* Marikana – The Musical received six awards, including Best Director, Best Production, and Best Score/Arrangement/Adaptation, at the Naledi Theatre Awards in 2015[].
* He received the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Score/Arrangement/Adaptation for Freedom – The Musical in 2019[].
Aubrey W. Sekhabi's involvement in various committees and councils:
He served on the North-West Provincial Arts Culture Council in 2004
Aubrey W. Sekhabi was a member of the National Arts Festival committee
From 2018 to June 2020, he served as a member of the Baxter Theatre Council
Category:South African people
Category:Playwrights
Category:Directors
Category:Artistic directors