The 26-year-old writer and actress also chats to us about her upcoming musical, She Bellows, and her journey to the top.
You started writing your play in 2007, why did it take you so long to complete it?
In 2007 I had just started my first year in varsity and was still discovering writing. At that point, the play was an idea I wanted to nurture and, through experience, I was able to add the necessary layers as time went on. It took time to complete it because I needed to tell an authentic story that everyone can relate to. I had to grow as a writer as well.
What do you hope to achieve with the play?
I plan to achieve a lot of things when it comes to women. I want to teach women that they are complete regardless of the extra things that society requires of them. I encourage women to get out of their shell, learn to love themselves and know that it’s okay to love and remove themselves from negative situations.
You have only cast unknown talent in your play, is there a reason for that?
Yes. Our country has a pool of brilliant actors. There is a lot of talent we don’t put out simply because we don’t know them. There aren’t enough people discovering this talent and that’s a problem because the people I’ve worked with might be unknown on television screens, but are way better in theatre.
What are the challenges of being a female playwright?
You need to work three times as hard for people to appreciate what you do. The biggest difficulty has been with the budget because it’s hard carrying an idea, knocking on doors with proposals and not finding anyone willing to buy into it. I’m also a young black female, so that doesn’t help much. Nonetheless, I look past that and focus on the positive side and the support I receive. I must admit, the cast, production team and other theatre greats (like Princess Mhlongo and my director Rolie Nikiwe) have shown me immense support, which helps me overcome the challenges.
How did you get your first break as a playwright?
I loved writing since my high school days, so I attended poetry sessions even though my parents didn’t understand my choice. From there, I studied drama and found my niche. My first experience was on Trapped by Princess Mhlongo, and we travelled internationally with the play, which was great for me because I got to see what works and what doesn’t work in the world of theatre.
Are there any more productions on and off screen that you will be doing?
She Bellows is my current baby that I need to see walking by itself. I’m already writing another story on a different topic, but I don’t want to jinx it; so I’d rather not say much about it.
What do you want us to know about your play?
Well, the show opens in April, which I consider my lucky month because both my parents and my sister were born in it, but it’s a lovely show to watch. People should go watch it from 30 April to 3 May at the Joburg Theatre.
