In 2007 the Cape Town Edge was launched at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (NAF) by theatre companies FTH:K and Hearts & Eyes. Its intention was to overcome some of the difficulties faced by independent companies at the festival. They created a model of collaboration, bringing together other theatre-makers to take over a single venue - the Princess Alice Hall. By sharing their networking and logistical resources, they were able to attract sponsorship and media attention. Since then the Edge has developed in focus and ambition, learned lessons and even changed management, but its original spirit has remained constant.
The Cape Town Edge has always strived to present a programme that is new, different, and a good representation of the Cape Town theatre scene, and seeks to be a platform to showcase and develop the artists and works of Cape Town's theatre community in order for them to benefit critically, commercially and professionally from communal marketing, support and training.
This way, Cape Town Edge will offer its participants a platform for exposure and experience, while offering funders and partners an opportunity to support professional theatre coming out of Cape Town, as well as artists who are developing their creative voices and skills. Cape Town Edge aims to represent the full spectrum of Cape Town terms of artistic, social and cultural diversity and balance its programming between established and debuting works and artists.
Only productions that are being produced at the NAF regardless of their inclusion on the Edge are eligible for consideration. Productions are eligible for inclusion in the Edge programme if a strong case can be made that the production team is part of the Cape Town theatre community. Only one production may be selected from any company, but multiple applications may be made. Programming decisions will be made by the selection committee, consisting of the Cape Town Edge management team.
Applications should be received no later than midnight on 22 December 2011. An extension can be granted to midnight on 1 January 2012 for 'liking' our Facebook page. The official selection will be announced on or before 10 January 2012.
