Ghosts of famous theatre legends like Gibson Kente will be re-imagined when the Southern African Theatre Initiative (SATI) in partnership with Arts Alive rolls out the programme aimed at creating a platform for community theatre practitioners to share and exchange their work.

The objective of this colourful and exciting festival is to revive the once popular culture of township theatre made popular by legends such as Kente, the father of black theatre, and others who used to perform in spaces such as churches and community halls. This form of theatre was very popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when black productions were provided access into mainstream theatres such as the market, state theatre and other previously white theatres.

“The community theatre groups were given a platform to showcase their work while creating jobs at the same time,” says Mpho Molepo, executive director of SATI. “The groups tackle different issues in the society such as women abuse, HIV/Aids, unemployment and issues we face every day in our communities.”

“The time has now come for theatre to occupy centre stage in the lives of our people. Theatre is a mirror of a society which reflects on issues that are directly affecting our people,” says Molepo.

“Through theatre the audience is given the opportunity to reflect on their surroundings to move, perceive, think and feel. It is this experience of live theatre that the Alternative Spaces projects in the townships wishes to revive.”

The “Township Theatre Revival” has taken place for five years with the last two years of the festival being hosted in partnership with Arts Alive. The project has seen more that 500 community theatre groups taking part, while more than 300 community groups have been taken through developmental workshops on writing, acting and directing.

Since the project’s inception Alternative Spaces has produced award-winning productions that have been rewarded with prizes at the Naledi Theatre Awards. The most recent winner was a play called Awaiting Trial which was directed by Velaphi Mthimkhulu for Movers Theatre Production. The production took home the best of community theatre 2010 award.

Weekend programme:

Friday, 23 September 2011

Who is he?
Written and directed by Thabo Nkwamba
Company: Born Talented
From: Diepsloot
Cast: Lucas, Lerato Mofokeng, Tiniko Nkwamba, Matletsi, Zakhele Nkosi, Nhlanhla, Thabo Nkwamba, Sipho and Sizwe
A boy is teased by his peers at school because his mother is dating his teacher whom he thinks is his father. When he finds out that he isn't his father, he goes looking for him.

Saturday, 24 September 2011

Tasha on the Rocks
Written and directed by Mduduzi Mabaso
Company: Night Virgil Theatre Production
From: Alexandra
Cast: Brian Mthembu, Thabo Banda, Thomas Manamela, Simon Mavuso and Tumi
Tasha on the Rocks highlights the effect that a secret can bring among friends and the emotion and mental disturbance that result from the lost of a loved one.

Crazy Kids
Written and directed by Thabiso Mhlamvu
Company: Thol’ulwazi Theatre Project
From: Diepsloot
Cast: Lebogang Mosima, Londeka Dlamini, Ndzalama Mhlongo, Phumulane Ndakane and Mantwa Radebe
A comedy about a director who is trying to teach drama to young community kids who want to be stars.

A Blinding Heart
Written and directed by Mxolisi Mvalo
Company: Shell Busters
From: Soweto
Cast: Modikwe Settle as Tebogo”Papa” Matlala, Itumeleng Tefane as Collen
Yes, we do sacrifice a lot for love but do we expect any rewards for our effort. If we do, how much?

Motherly Weapon
Written and directed by Sizwe Mcaka
Company: Sithi Theatre Production
From: Inner City
Cast: Mmapule Tsholo, Phumeza Macingwan, Malebo Manamela, Meltah Mthethwa
Trouble brews when three women of different ages and professions serve time in one of Johannesburg's female prisons.

Loyile Lamabala
Directed by Awiwe Mdaniso
School: Barnato Park (Berea)
Teachers: Mr. L. Tronk, Thato Cele
Lighting: Awiwe Mdaniso
Cast: Mbali Bhengu; Goodness Njolo; Pretty Magena; Lebogang Maswangwai; Mosibudi Nkalitshana; Eunice Khumalo; Lucy Phiri
Loyile is a Pedi girl who was fifteen years old, when she discovered that she has a gift of calling and she was called by the ancestors to pursue it.

Sunday, 25 September 2011

Umhlatshelo
Written and directed by cast
Company: Amajita
From: Ivory Park
Cast: Gibson Simka, Nhlanhla Gwambe, Vusi Khoza, Sbusiso Mchunu, Nhlanhla Mdzima.
Raising his three sons alone after their mother dies, a father desperate for money, consults a traditional diviner. When he is told to sacrifice his youngest son in order to solve his financial crisis, the family faces a difficult decision.

Before Dawn Falls
Written by Lebohang Lehana
Directed by Busisiwe Hadebe
Company: Dramatic YS
From: Orange Farm
Cast: Neo Xaba; Sindiswa Ntando; Lebohang Lehana; Lerato Cossa; Richard Mpeqe; Phethu Moloi; Nomthandazo Cele; Tankiso, Busisiwe Hadebe
A nightmare about his brother's death leads a young man to discover the gruesome truth about his own family.

Ga Sepatalala
Directed by Linda Mike Mkhwanazi
School: St Enda's Secondary School (Hillbrow)
Choreographer: Isabel Nkawu
Set designed by Khaya African Arts
Cast: Kedibone Rasekhula; Karabo Kekana; Lesego Kgobane; Tshepo Mokgata; Tshepiso Puka; Kagiso Dube; Thabo Thutlwa; Lucky Mncube; Portia Sibiya; Bongiwe Ndima; Wanga; Asithandile
This is a story about a school girl in pursuit to fulfil her destiny as a sangoma. It explores her journey, experiences and people that will change her life forever. This story is also reflects one of the outcomes of diverse cultures and migration

Fruit
Written and directed by Paul Noko
Company: Township Arts Project
From: Soweto
Cast: Koketso Mojela
An indigenous game called Mmaskitla is used to tell a multi-layered story about a young girl's search for her real identity.

To no MaSeven
Written and directed by Malizo Mdekazi
Company: Light Seekers
From: Inner City
Cast: Malizo Mdekazi and Thabiso Ramala
The play is about a boy who would do anything to see himself and others educated but, short of material, he has to rely on his friend for text books. His friend, MaSeven, is not keen on getting an education, but girls.

For more information, contact the Southern African Theatre Initiative:

Tel: 011 404 4023
Fax: 0866909585
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]