Jayne Batzofin is an award winning South African Theatre Director, best known for their strong directorial vision and advocacy in Theatre for Early Years and Theatre for Youth, specialising in inclusivity and accessibility within the spectrum of disability.

 

They obtained their Honours Degree in Theatre Directing and Stage & Costume Design from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), after which they further pursued studies at the renowned theatre school, l'ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris. When returning to South Africa they were invited to be a part of the full time artistic company of the prestigious Visual theatre company From the Hip: Khulumakahle (FTH:K). From here Jayne acquired a strong working knowledge in developing integrated theatre and education; as well as a passion for working with younger Deaf children. Alongside FTH:K, Jayne went on to become a regular Artistic Director for Clowns without Borders South Africa, discovering an invested interest for working in the social upliftment sector of the Arts.

 

Their productions have toured locally, nationally and have been invited to perform at international Theatre for Youth Festivals and Conferences, including the April Festival (Denmark) and the Tokyo Inclusivity of Youth Festival (Japan). In 2019, Jayne completed an MA in Dramaturgy, delving into the socio-political need for artists to work alongside children in developing new productions for young audiences.