WELCOME TO MY WRITING SPACE

PHILISIWE TWIJNSTRA

WRITER | DIRECTOR | ACTOR 

ACTOR

‘However, it is Philisiwe Sithole as the Bride who steals the show. Indicating a complete understanding of the nuances of her character, she gives a focused and riveting performance of a young woman struggling to come to terms with the two men in her life and her eventual despair when they kill each other.’

~ Caroline Smart

DIRECTOR

‘Philisiwe has done a stellar job as director in Nongogo. What is truly commendable about this play is that, even with the heavily patriarchal presence on the stage, it still manages to empower the woman by giving her the agency to tell her story and live her truth despite a man.’

~Sibongiseni Shezi & Sinesipho Makaula

WRITER

“Philisiwe’s writing is a fearless invocation—she conjures worlds where pain shapeshifts into myth, where the body remembers, rebels, and reclaims. Her stories don’t just speak; they hum, haunt, and heal.”

~Stacy Hardy

Philisiwe Twinjstra

WELCOME TO MY CREATIVE CORNER.

I’m Philisiwe, an experienced theatre practitioner, playwright and actor. I aim to inspire and ignite the imagination through storytelling. I have a deep passion for storytelling across various platforms, including television, film, and theatre. Throughout my career in the arts, I have always prioritized collaboration and pushing creative boundaries. I have received prestigious awards for my work, which has been featured in international tours. With a clear mission to inspire, empower, and uplift the next generation of creatives, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey as we explore the power of storytelling and create a world teeming with passion and artistry..

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About Me.

I specialize in fostering creativity in writing for television, film, and theatre. My writing style is diverse and imaginative, and I strive to create a supportive environment for creativity. I excel in collaborative settings, seamlessly coordinating creative projects and bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds. As a playwright, I have received recognition for my collaborative work, including the Stockholm Fringe Award for Best Digital Experience Play and the Good Theatre Award for Best Performer. In 2023, I was honoured to be named the AWPN/Ghana Playwright Fellow. In addition to my theatre work, I hold a master’s degree in creative writing from Rhodes University and actively contribute to the literary landscape through my short stories and longer works, with several stories published in online magazines. My written work explores queer speculative, fantasy, and eroticism, with urgency and a focus on centering black female bodies. I am deeply committed to uplifting others in the creative community. I firmly believe in creating a safe and inclusive space for young creatives, regardless of their background or identity. My mission is to develop authentic work and empower others to fulfil their potential, ultimately fostering a world filled with passion and art.

Awards.

2023 Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South African in 'Media & Film'
2023 Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South African in 'Media & Film'
Stockholm Fringe 'Best Digital Experience' The Road (2022)
Stockholm Fringe 'Best Digital Experience' The Road (2022)
Stockholm Fringe 'Best Digital Experience' The Road (2022)

TESTIMONIALS

What people say about the work.

I could hear the writer’s voice, telling the story. It’s a big thing that the actors hit the notes so well that I could tell this was the writer’s composition. There’s a peculiar and unique thing that Philisiwe Twijnstra does in her writing where she gives a mental debate.

I drank the glass of water, well not because I didn’t want to or wasn’t thirsty, but it was the right thing to do- Itshali

Philisiwe writes so the actor has those thoughts and says them out loud. I love it.

Fali Rose

Twijnstra’s strong directing makes ITSHE a futuristic spectacular, with a surreal setting by Greg King, opening up a world so magical yet so familiar to where we are as a country.

Fali Rose

Horny & was unapologetically graphic but honest about her sexuality, how it engages with her body… it was very strong, very honest, graphic and challenging

Dr Ekua Ekumah

My thing about Horny &… was how very well it represented the way I speak… so I found Horny & amazing. It lent itself to the theatre of the postmodern… I think it was a brilliant piece.  I loved it.

Dr Sarah Dorgbadzi

Not Enough Buses in Spring is a beautiful play – haunting and engaging. It transports you to the depths of these two characters. Easily staged, and a powerful piece of writing. It also has some fantastic monologues if you’re looking for audition pieces!

Arthur M Jolly

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