By Karabo Ntanzi
Aspiring actors from six high schools in Galeshewe re-lived the Mayibuye Uprising, an ANC Defiance Campaign, through a drama festival at Mayibuye Cultural Centre.
The program started with candlelight service at the Mayibuye Prentice in Royal Street, where the massacre occurred on 8 November 1952. Thereafter participants took a three-kilometer walk to the cultural center.
The play depicts a march led by Doctor Authur Letele to the then Matlalo Police Station, next to Galeshewe Day Hospital, (currently used by Sol Plaatje Municipality), protesting against pass laws. Seventy-eight people were injured, thirteen died, including a baby carried by a woman on her back returning from work. The mass funeral service was at the old Methodist Church. The deceased are buried at West End Cemetery.
The hall was filled to capacity with enthusiastic spectators. Some were standing throughout the play, their faces dribbling with sweat from the heat, but no one left until the last performance.
The production team was of high standard from sound, lighting, props and actors delivered a sterling performance. Machine gun sounds, anti-apartheid slogans, songs and makeshift tear gas evoked emotions from the older generation.
Program directors, Stand-up comedian Thekiso Maarman “aka” Tjhwatla or Qekeza accompanied by renowned actors Thulani Didi and Kere Nyawo, popularly known as Popeye and Spinach from SABC drama Zone 14, had the audience in stitches with their humor.
The Producer and actor, Mpho Mokapilo, explained that the festival was an opportunity for learners to tell and re-live their own story. It also allowed them to experience how a production is put together. They learned how to research a concept, interpret findings, write a script, and choose songs and wardrobe.
Mokalipo thanked school teachers for sacrificing their time and effort to mentor and coach learners after school. She also praised Didi, who spent a month working tirelessly, even over weekends with the children. Mpho indicated that she intends to make it an annual event with more schools participating.
Tebogo Selebogo, an Arts Teacher and Sector Leader from the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (Ccifsa), applauded Mpho and learners for their brilliant performance. He encouraged learners to be obedient and allow themselves to undergo a process of training. “Those who intend to pursue the Arts, go to university, this is a career just like any profession,” said the passionate teacher, who has mentored several actors from Galeshewe.
The famous and proud Didi aka Popey remarked that parents are not aware of the advantages of acting. “Reading and memorising scripts trains the brain to remember, which helps learners with their studies.” He listed the lack of support from parents and the Department of Education as some of the challenges they face. “Learners had to put in extra hours on Saturdays because they only had one hour to practice after school,” he mentioned.
The festival was used as a platform to select twenty-three cast members, who will re-enact the play in commemorating this historical day at Kimberley Theatre in November 2019. Mentors will continue working with learners.
“Until the lions tell their tale, the story of the hunt will always glorify the hunters.” Remarked the CEO of Northern Cape National Arts Council, Charles Mayema, in closing.
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