Theatre makes waves in Alex

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Community theatre is in resurgence in Alexandra and may reignite old memories when theatre was a rallying point for resistance against apartheid.

This after the recent successful hosting of the Women’s Theatre Festival which saw local and regional theatre and music groups mesmerising crowds during a week’s performances.

The Olive Tree Theatre founder and director Ntsieng Mokgoro said theatre was part of her blood and from an early age, she nurtured a dream of operating a theatre. This is coming true after recently relocating from a small venue in Alex to a more spacious and accessible space at Yarona Mall in Wynberg. The theatre accommodates 200 seated and 200 standing guests in an adjacent space. Mokgoro said the festival filled the theatre to capacity on open day with crowds also from the white community being a testimony of the entertainment industry’s power to influence social cohesion. “Also, they came to savour the vibe and the good associated with this impoverished settlement helping to temporarily shed off its association with crime and vice.”

The festival was for emerging female directors who were complimented by artists already in mainstream theatre and others at the development stage. They exhibited theatrical pieces to the adulation of the crowds and in the process, were assessed for their readiness to enter the mainstream terrain. Mokgoro said they exhibited creative works reflecting the deep and complex social dynamics of our society and the capability of women to excel in this male-dominated profession if given a chance. Their productions included Sugary Spice by Philisiwe Twijnstra; She Cold by Millicent Tintswalo; Eidos by Maude Sandham; What water gave me by Jade Bowers; and Unwanted Customers by Nicole Masuku.

Their performances were interspersed with live band performances which exposed emerging Alex female jazz musicians Karabo Letsoela and Shentel Semenya who have potential to make it big in the music industry.

Also, the presence of partners from Zimbabwe and Mozambique resulted in a pact for regional cultural exchanges which will start next year. Mokgoro’s plan is to expand the festival by hosting it in other venues including the Soweto Theatre, where she hopes to also gain insight into good theatre and entertainment practice.”Township residents deserve good quality and affordable theatre entertainment at convenient venues that reduce dependency on established theatres in the central business districts,” She thanked the Department of Arts and Culture and the Gauteng Film Commission for supporting the event.

Details: Olive Tree theatre; 073 591 9567.