A MASTERCLASS IN STORYTELLING

Creating Stories for Stage & Screen with Paul Slabolepszy

A MASTERCLASS IN STORYTELLING

Creating Stories for Stage & Screen with Paul Slabolepszy

From telling improvised stories beneath a baobab at the Musina Primary School as a 12 year-old, to performing in his very own play at the Old Vic in London 20 years later, Paul Slabolepszy has travelled a remarkable journey in the theatre both locally and internationally. With over 35 plays – many of them first produced at Johannesburg’s famous Market Theatre – as well as a host of TV and film screenplays to his credit, ‘The Slab’ has established himself as one of South Africa’s foremost playwrights and actors. 

Equally at home dealing with powerful, thought-provoking themes in plays like Saturday Night at the Palace, Braait Laaities, Pale Natives, The Return of Elvis du Pisanie and Suddenly the Storm, Slabolepszy’s comedies also continue to delight audiences wherever and whenever they appear. Boo to the Moon, Mooi Street Moves, My Low-fat Almost Italian Wedding and the 95’ Rugby World Cup Classic Heel Against the Head, starring the late, great Bill Flynn, for example, have achieved legendary status.

In this in-depth workshop, the playwright outlines the basics of effective, impactful storytelling for wannabe writers as well as those that may have already spent many hours hammering away at the keyboard. Plays, screenplays, teleplays, novels or short stories can only ever be meaningful and memorable if they tap into shared experiences and ‘connect’. In tracking his own creative journey, chock full of entertaining, often hilarious escapades, Paul provides pointers, suggestions and vital practical techniques that will unlock those treasures that so many of us are itching to share. 

The Masterclass runs approximately 60 minutes, with a 15 to twenty minute Question and Answer Session to follow. 

FEE FOR SCHOOL GROUPS:  Minimum Fee…… R2,000  (up to 25 participants)

                                                                   R2,750  (26 to 40 participants) 

                                                                   R3,000  (41 to 50 participants)

A THREE-HOUR WORKSHOP IS ALSO ON OFFER DURING WHICH THE ABOVE MASTERCLASS IS FOLLOWED BY THE EXPLORATION OF ONE OF PAUL’S PLAYS IN DETAIL – A STEP-BY-STEP JOURNEY FROM INITIAL IDEA TO EVENTUAL STAGING.