DCAS Drama Winners in kykNET Suidooster Soapie

On 15 June 2016, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais accompanied the three winners of the Tridistrict Drama Festival, hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), to the Atlantic Studios in Montague Gardens.

Minister Marais was introduced to the dynamic teams of Atlantic Studios, kykNET and the Suidooster Drama Series and was stunned by the transformation of the previous Macro industrial complex into professional film and television studios.

But nothing could top the excitement and energy when Llewellyn Bond, Robyn September and William Michaels arrived at the studios. Passion and willpower, under the watchful eye of project manager Moeniel Jacobs and the support of actor Abduraghmaan Adams prepared the three aspiring actors to rub shoulders with the professional cast on the set of Suidooster. They are the final product of the DCAS drama talent identification in the province and attended the workshops and festivals in their local communities before they participated earlier this year in the competition at the Suidooster Festival at Artscape.

Winner Llewellyn from George spent the previous night at the Melkbos Oppiesee Cultural Facility and stressed the value of getting involved in the programme. “Drama changed my whole life and put my struggles behind me”, he said.

Robyn and William from Heidelberg are the runner-up performers in the competition. Robyn said: “It is tough to practise for long hours but when you enjoy it you don’t call it work. Meeting the real actors on the set makes you feel valuable and special”. William advised aspiring actors to follow their passion. “These opportunities opened big doors for me. I auditioned and performed in 7de Laan, Villa Rosa and Liefste Kayla before I met the close-knit family of Suidooster. I became a role model in my community and they call me a pillar for the youth”, he said.

DCAS offers talent identification and skills transfer in drama. Communities should use these opportunities to empower themselves. Let us nurture the talent of our youth and support them to become self-sustainable artists, BETTER TOGETHER.