Whatshot
Where Theatre Dreams Are Made
Where Theatre Dreams Are Made
A vibrant group of young talented Durban performers have been selected as part of the Playhouse Company's Community Arts Mentorship Programme (CAMP).
Every year the Playhouse experiences the thrill of nurturing a fresh intake of promising young talent into their mentorship programme. The actors, who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, participate in daily workshops that focus on basic training in a range of drama disciplines which include voice production, acting technique, script writing and stage management.
CEO & Artistic Director of the Playhouse Company, Linda Bukhosini says, "Through the funding that we receive from the Department of Arts and Culture's Incubator Programme, we are able to hone the raw talents of our community-based artists by assisting them to learn from the very best in the country and take what they have learnt to plough back to their communities".
The group of 14 artists, who range between 18 and 30 years of age, are currently under the mentorship and tutelage of esteemed and seasoned performing arts practitioner, Matjamela Motloung who has also worked extensively with the Playhouse Actors Studio. The young enthusiasts are based at the resident theatre camp in Mayville where they spend their time rehearsing and polishing their craft.
Londeka Mthelani, a young performing arts mentee reflected who is part on the 2019 mentee intake reflected, "We are currently in the third week of CAMP and I have learned a considerable amount about theatre - from acting techniques to dancing, script writing and most importantly discipline and working with others to achieve a common goal. I am amazed at how I have grown mentally and how my body has changed physically in such a short period of time."
Another participant Vumile Madlanga commented, "I still cannot believe that CAMP is a fully funded programme. What prompts me to wake up before my alarm every morning is knowing that I'm being mentored by professionals who are dedicated and passionate about what they do."
In closing Bukhosini adds, "This programme realizes the importance of the wellbeing and survival of the Arts in our society. The significance of this cannot be overstated as the Arts play a vital role in nation building and in achieving social cohesion between the many communities in our country."