The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) presented a play entitled Nyasha at the Artscape Theatre on 23 and 24 April 2014. The cast came from various Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth (MOD) centres across Cape Town. Among other things, MOD centre participants learn to sing, dance and act after school hours. The Nyasha cast was selected through a talent identification process that ran between October and December 2013.
The production centred on Nyasha, the Guardian of Grace, who guided the audience on a mystical journey through the mind of 24-year old Zimbabwean refugee and professional basketball player, Samuel Chifamba. Based on a true story, the script was written by Beulah Kleinveld, music and arts curriculum developer at DCAS. “I discovered a story written about my lead character’s father who died of AIDS, but I was a lot more interested in how it affected his children,” she said.
The audience was taken through a range of emotions during the 90 minutes of the show as they follow Chifamba on his journey of self-discovery, culminating in an epic battle against his worst fears. Kleinveld said: “I slotted in scenes with humour to break the intensity but also to show that, if we allow humour to be a medicine, we can get through any hardships.” She noted that the story was much like the stories of so many of the learners that the MOD centres seek to serve. “The major message we try to get across at the MOD centres is that if one stays focused on one’s dreams and works hard, all things are possible.”
According to DCAS Sport Development Director Paul Hendricks, “the discipline and work ethic that learners have learned through this process as well as at the MOD centres will surely be with them for the rest of their lives.” Cultural affairs manager Anthony Lottering said that learners and coaches worked tirelessly to make the production come to life. “The late nights and weekends spent rehearsing were hard work, but worth it. It’s good to see learners developing from being novices to putting on a show that would give some professionals a run for their money.”
Lulama Damba, who played the part of Chifamba, said the opportunity to perform at one of the best theatres in Cape Town was a major highlight for him. “It was a lot of fun. We learned so much during this process, especially how to share our ideas and work better with others,” he said.
On Friday, 2 May 2014, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer hosted a breakfast for the Sports Development directorate staff to thank them for their hard work. “The learners from the MOD centres gave us a spectacular show with a story about how life can change, a story of hope, a story of how you can create something out of nothing,” said Meyer.
Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za