The 14 play scripts chosen to take part in the Teksmark are Melk en Vleis by Marina Albertyn, Abel by Ricardo Arendse, Fees by Ludwig Binge, Oculus by Wilken Calitz, Rendezvous by Rachelle Greeff, Prey by Pieter Jacobs, Dans van die Watermeid by Amee Lekas, Die Ramparty by Deon Maas, Duiwelshoek by Albert Maritz, Vat Aan My by Alma Nel, Portret van Dorian Gray by Phillip Rademeyer, Kaalvoetspoor by Sjaka Septembir, Freaks by Ingrid Winterbach, and Cradle by Stephina Zwane.

“The Teksmark brings diverse industry role players together to advance cooperation between festivals and theatres. The platform makes it worthwhile for writers to create new work for the stage and by working together, role players collectively build the South African theatre industry,” says Rhodé Snyman, CEO of Kunste Onbeperk.

A panel consisting of Cornelia Faasen, CEO of NATi, Saartjie Botha of the University of Stellenbosch's Woordfees, and Ismail Mahomed, of the Market Theatre Foundation, evaluated the 62 proposals.

"We are extremely excited about the themes addressed by the writers. It is clear that our playwrights feel the need to address issues in South Africa that affect different communities in different ways,” Faasen says.

She confirmed that NATi will develop one of the proposed scripts for a production in 2018. “The development of play scripts with a fresh, relevant approach remains part of our core mandate”, she says. The selected script will be announced at the closing function of the Teksmark.

“In general, the quality of the entries were good, with interesting new voices speaking loudly. Some of the scripts were fearless and others had a very critical view. Some of the work include stories that have not yet been told on stage. This makes me excited about the future of theatre.”

Mahomed says the Teksmark is one of the most progressive playwright development initiatives aimed to identify, develop, and create opportunities for new writing in South Africa. “It is a positive contribution to the creative economy, and strong scripts in diverse styles were received.”

During the Teksmark, playwrights get an opportunity to discuss their script, followed by an extract performed as a play reading. Representatives of festivals, theatres, and other role players in the arts can then negotiate with playwrights about possible investment in and further development of the script.

“We move away from a competition with the Kunste Onbeperk Teksmark, and to a platform that creates more possibilities, opportunities, and support for numerous playwrights – established and upcoming. The aim is to present the Teksmark annually and provide further support with workshops and training”, Hugo Theart, creative head of Kunste Onbeperk, says.

The Teksmark takes place at the Baxter Theatre Complex on Monday, 30 October, from 13:00 and Tuesday, 1 November, from 10:00. Seven play scripts will be presented each day.

For more information, visit kunste.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.