Left to Right: Chris Kuneri, Philisiwe Twijnstra, Mariam Barry at Zee Zee theatre company
The Red Suitcase was read at PTC last month produced by Zee Zee Theatre, and I was there to stand by my work and its context. My trip was made possible by the Canadian Council and Assitej SA.
I will not forget the quick response I got from Yvette Hardie; how enthusiastic she was, and she believed in this collaboration. I still cannot believe that this has happened. I kept asking, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” It felt unreal and too good to be true. I never thought that a chance like this will be for me.
Going to Canada has been an experience I do not want to forget. I was treated like my work matters and I matter. I came back with great confidence and to believe that everything is possible. I was able to meet fabulous theatre-makers, like-minded artists; we conversed, exchange thoughts about culture, theatre, music, and about the differences of these two countries. We shared dreams. I am so excited for future collaborations with Zee Zee Theatre. And most of all I came back assured about my existence as a theatre-maker in South Africa.
Thank you Assitej SA for the opportunity you have given me, it has inspired me and I am more than keen to learn even more.
Philisiwe Twijnstra
