Gathering in a better world (GIABW) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary project that seeks to create a worldwide network for artists with disabilities.
“Within the framework of the project, meeting and networking opportunities as well as creative spaces are conceptualised by artists with disabilities across different artistic disciplines and for a broad audience with and without disabilities,” says project curator Calvin Ratladi.
This Gathering is a physical extension of connecting Sub-Saharan African artists living with disabilities through a series of workshops, conversations (podcasts), collaborations, invited works, and the development of new work produced within the framework of archiving ‘Arts, Disability, Performances’ research. The project is conceived as an experimental, performative, and playful space for exchange and dialogue between artists and thinkers whose practices are devoted to social justice and disability.
GIABW is initiated by the festival Theaterformen and the Goethe-Institut and takes place from July 2022 until March 2023 in Braunschweig, Johannesburg, Montevideo, Shanghai, and Kyoto. The Johannesburg iteration offers a public performance programme from 1 to 5 March 2023 at the Market Theatre.
GIABW is supported by Theaterformen, Goethe-Institut, Market Theatre, Centre for the Less Good Idea | SO Academy, Calvin Ratladi Foundation, UNMUTE Dance Company, Yellow Bunny Productions and TrialbyMedia.
The project features seasoned artists such as Hlengiwe Lushaba Madlala, Chuma Sopotela, Nadine McKenzie, Andile Vellem, Teresa Phuti, Thulani Chauke, Nceba Gongxeka, Sello Sebotsane, Anathi Conjwa, Siphenathi Mayekiso, Shelley Barry, Yonela Mnana and Khabonina Qubeka.
Nadine McKenzie
Nadine McKenzie is an integrated dance teacher, dancer, producer, choreographer and the Artistic Director of the UNMUTE Dance Company based in Cape Town.
A trainee of the ImpulsTanz International workshop in Vienna, McKenzie joined the Remix Dance Company in 2006 where she produced exceptional work as a performer/ teacher in a wheelchair and has since established herself as a well-recognised figure within the performing arts community, both nationally and internationally.
McKenzie is one of the co-founders of UNMUTE, and has performed Unmute, Trapped, SOLD, Breaking Borders, Ashed, and Access Me with the company. She is also the co-curator of UNMUTE’s annual ArtsAbility Festival, the first Inclusive Arts festival in South Africa.
McKenzie has recently graduated from BASA’s Cultural Producers Programme, presented by Business and Arts South Africa, Common Purpose and the Manchester International Festival.
Calvin Ratladi
Calvin Ratladi is an award-winning producer, director, actor, dramaturg, designer, and arts administrator.
Directorially, he has won numerous awards, including two Standard Bank Ovation Awards, the 2019 ImpACT Award for Young Professionals (Theatre), and the 2019 Lesedi Spirit of Courage Naledi Theatre Award. To date, Ratladi has graced international festivals such as SPIELART Festival in Munich (Germany), Red Bridge Festival in Luxembourg City (Luxembourg), and Theaterformen (Germany).
He is internationally renowned as an artist who advocates for activism on issues about identity, politics of the body in post-coloniality, and giving voice to people living with disabilities.
Most recently, Ratladi received a creative exchange residency from The Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg and the Teatre Lliure in Barcelona for 2021, and has completed the Thinking in Cardboard Scenography mentorship with Sabine Theunissen in collaboration with UNITA program. He is currently spearheading Johannesburg's A GATHERING IN A BETTER WORLD event as a curator for 2023.
