Launch: New theatre production company, South Africa

Theatre news: New theatre production company launches in South Africa: How Now Brown Cow Productions

In the middle of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, there is thrilling news that a new theatre production company, How Now Brown Cow Productions, is launching in South Africa.  How Now Brown Cow Productions, is being headed up by Julie-Anne McDowell Hegarty (actress, writer and publicist) and Daniel Galloway (former Managing Director of The Fugard Theatre and renowned producer and lighting designer). Their aim is to stage work from South Africa, the African continent, the globe and to commission and enable South African theatre practitioners.

It takes time – often years – to produce theatre productions. Check back with TheCapeRobyn as we bring you news about this exciting theatre start-up venture. The company has already secured rights to new works which will be staged in 2021.

Info supplied by How Now Brown Cow Productions:

New Theatre Production Company Launches in South Africa!

Actress, writer and publicist Julie-Anne McDowell Hegarty has teamed up with former Managing Director of The Fugard Theatre and renowned producer and lighting designer Daniel Galloway to launch a new production company, HOW NOW BROWN COW.

• How Now Brown Cow Productions is a professional theatre producing company, based in South Africa, committed to presenting a range of world-class productions which aims to commission, enable and empower South African theatre practitioners.
• How Now Brown Cow Productions will create a platform to present a mix of well-known local and international texts, new cutting-edge contemporary plays from around the globe, as well as commissioning new works by gifted South African and international playwrights. 
• How Now Brown Cow Productions is founded by Julie-Anne McDowell Hegarty. Daniel Galloway, former Managing Director and Producer of The Fugard Theatre, acts as General Manager and Associate Producer alongside Julie-Anne. 

“I was in something of a daze on the afternoon on which I announced my stepping away from The Fugard Theatre after almost 10 years at the helm. My phone rang and on the other end, to my great delight, was Julie-Anne. I was immediately taken by her focussed passion and vision for the performing arts in South Africa, and I did not need to think twice before agreeing to join her on her quest. 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. 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,” says Daniel Galloway.

The first slate of new works, which have been licensed and commissioned by How Now Brown Cow, will roll out on to stages in South Africa in 2021. These will be announced soon.

“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.  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,” says Julie-Anne McDowell Hegarty. 

How Now Brown Cow Productions can be followed on the following social media platforms: 

✅ Website:         www.hownowbrowncow.co.za

✅ Facebook:      How Now Brown Cow Productions

✅ Instagram:     hownowbrowncow_productions

✅ LinkedIn:        How Now Brown Cow Productions

For all press related queries kindly contact Christine Skinner on 082 855 7277 or christinemskinner@gmail.com

Daniel Galloway

Daniel fell in love with theatre by accident, while trying to be an opening bowler for South Africa and has not been able to get away from it for the last 22 years. With a Degree in Drama & Linguistics from Rhodes University and following 8 years at the University of Cape Town as resident Production Manager & Lighting Designer, Daniel was asked to join the brand new, purpose built Fugard Theatre in Cape Town as Managing Director & Producer in 2010. There he worked alongside Producer Eric Abraham leading a formidable team which established The Fugard as one of the Premiere Theatre Destinations in South Africa. Daniel, in his career, has produced over 150 productions both locally and internationally, which collectively have received over 220 Award Nominations.  

After almost a decade at the helm of The Fugard Theatre, Daniel now offers his Executive Management experience, Mentorship & Training, Consultancy Services and Lighting Design to the Theatre Industry, among others. 

Julie-Anne McDowell

Julie-Anne studied Classical Ballet and Speech and Drama through RADA, and then went on to perform in numerous musical theatre productions around Northern Ireland. She performed with The Lyric Theatre, The Ulster Opera House and The Ulster Hall and toured Ireland and the USA in several productions with the Belvoir Players. 

Her television experience includes In Cold Blood, Tree Story, A Knight in Shining Armour, The Head Case and Farm. Theatre experience includes The Crucible, The Beaux Stratagem, Oedipus Rex, The Memory of Water, Beauty winning Best Supporting Actress at the N.I Arts Festival, Me and My Best Friend, winning Best Actress at the N.I Arts Festival, Continental Quilt, and Becca in The Rabbit Hole. She made her South African stage debut in the acclaimed two hander COUPLET that ran at the Theatre on The Square, POPArt and Grahamstown [now The National Arts Festival, Makhanda] in 2017.  Then followed in 2018 and 2019 with the award-winning production of The Revlon Girl, playing Marilyn which earned her a Best Supporting Actress Nomination at the 2019 Naledi Theatre Awards. The Revlon Girl, performed at POPArt, Grahamstown, a 5-week run at the Theatre On The Square and at the Hilton Arts Festival. In July 2019, she participated in a Shakespeare Workshop with The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, UK, playing Viola in Twelfth Night, directed by Andrew Normington.

❇ Promoted post. Image credit: Featured image – Daniel Galloway. Photo by Jesse Kramer.