Following what has been a profoundly difficult few months for the South African performing arts, a bit of good news comes in the form of a new theatre production company, How Now Brown Cow.
Founded by actress, writer, and publicist Julie-Anne McDowell Hegarty, and producer, lighting designer, and former Managing Director of The Fugard Theatre, Daniel Galloway, the production company is committed to presenting a range of world-class productions which aims to commission, enable, and empower South African theatre practitioners. How Now Brown Cow will also aim to present a mix of well-known local and international texts and works, as well as commission new works by South African and international playwrights.
‘The goal originally was to create work for myself as an actress and make the kind of theatre that I would want to watch. However, during lockdown and subsequently, my vision is to play a small but significant role in safeguarding our local theatre industry, keeping it relevant and nurturing South African artistry,’ explains McDowell Hegarty. ‘The ambition is to produce quality work here in South Africa that can travel, so that, not only can we South Africans enjoy international productions, but that our South African talent can be appreciated overseas.’
Julie-Anne McDowell Hegarty
The first slate of new works, which have been licensed and commissioned by How Now Brown Cow, will roll out onto stages in South Africa in 2021 and will be announced soon.
‘I am thrilled to be a part of something as exciting as this in a time which is deeply challenging to all of us in the arts in South Africa – we all need something to look forward to, and be hopeful for,’ says Galloway. ‘My mission is to make How Now Brown Cow, alongside Julie-Anne, a meaningful employer of South African theatre makers and a creator of excellent theatrical work in our country.’
Daniel Galloway
Keep up to date with How Now Brown Cow Productions on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.
