Page 11 - KZN Leaders Portfolio E-BOOK 2107

CEO and Artistic Director, The Playhouse Company region. Another popular development project is the
Durban bi-monthly Test Driving the Arts lunch hour concerts,
which create a platform for entry-level artists to gain
INDA BUKHOSINI, a Masters graduate exposure and performance experience opportunities at
from New York’s Juilliard School, is widely The Playhouse.
recognised as one of Africa’s prominent arts’
Lleaders, noted for her directional vision. She is Other notable achievements in Bukhosini’s
the chief executive officer and artistic director of The administrative portfolio have been the on-going
Playhouse Company in Durban, where, since taking presentations of the National Isicathamiya Programme
office, she has played a major role in establishing and the annual South African Women’s Arts Festival,
equitable distribution of performance opportunities each of which is held under auspices of the Playhouse
for artists and art forms expressive of all sectors of the Company in Durban every year.
South African community. Closely linked to her passion is the sustainability of
the arts and the creation of new artistic work. Under
Since Bukhosini took over the helm of The Playhouse Bukhosini’s leadership two residency programmes
Company, it has achieved six clean audit reports since have been successfully implemented in the form of the
2011, having being preceded by four unqualified audit Playhouse Dance Residency and the Playhouse Actors
reports between the periods 2007 and 2010.
Studio. Within these programmes, artists receive the
In line with the standard practice of good opportunity for further development and training in
governance and responsible citizenship, The Playhouse various fields of the performing arts under the guidance
Company continues to offer quality services to the of seasoned professional mentors. Furthermore, they are
artistic community and audiences alike in Durban, schooled in the “business” of the arts and encouraged
KwaZulu-Natal. Under the helm of Bukhosini, artistic to start their own companies, with input and guidance
programming at The Playhouse reflects quality on various related administrative matters.
productions that nourish the soulful artistic palette In the global arts sector, Bukhosini is an active
for both arts practitioners and audiences alike and member of the International Society for The Performing
programming that is relevant to nation building, which Arts (ISAPA). Bukhosini was responsible for mounting
celebrates diverse cultural and artistic heritage.
the first ever ISPA conference to be presented on
The Playhouse has become synonymous with staging the African continent. This ground-breaking venture,
award-winning productions of the highest calibre, such which was organised and hosted by The Playhouse
as Westside Story, Handel’s Messiah, Cinderella, David Company in Durban in June 2008, proved to be a
Mamet’s Race and the most recent box office hit, The highly successful event, which garnered a stream of
Sound of Music. All of these productions featured the appreciative feedback from delegates.
crème of South Africa’s artistic crop, yielding wide
public and critical acclaim. Bukhosini’s well-informed business strategy
within the arts stems from her passion and personal
Bukhosini has introduced a series of trailblazing accomplishments as a highly respected artiste.
initiatives into The Playhouse Company’s management. Behind the scenes – as one of South Africa’s eminent
These include annual programmes such as ongoing sopranos – Bukhosini is noted for her highly evolved
community arts development initiatives. These performance skills. She has appeared with leading
initiatives are geared to provide a step-up for semi- conductors and world renowned musicians in South
professional artists.
Africa, the UK, Brazil, Germany, the United States,
Other initiatives include The Playhouse Company’s Russia, India, Malaysia and Algeria. As a guest artist,
hosting a regular Arts Network Forum that engages Bukhosini has performed for many leading dignitaries
with artists at grassroots level throughout the Durban including State Presidents.

9