Momo Matsunyane chats to us about the highs and lows of working in theatre and directing the Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars play.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1. I started acting on theatre stages at the age of six. I fell in love with the thrill of wearing costumes and performing for a crowd. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to work in theatre performance spaces. I followed my dream and today, I’m a performance lecturer at AFDA and a theatre director, writer, actress and singer.
2. Working in the arts is a fulfilling career. I love working with people who are passionate about using their creativity to inspire others. My work instigates thought-provoking and emotive conversations that lead to critical discussions and self-analysis. I love it.
3. I enjoyed directing the Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars theatre play. It is about a group of struggle heroes who cannot stand the idea of returning to a life of poverty. As a result, they find themselves in a web of corruption. I put my heart and soul into directing this politically charged play, and I think many people will relate to it considering the times we live in.
4. Getting funding to put on a production remains a huge challenge. I often have to fund productions myself, and this is hard because the financial returns are not great. Rehearsal spaces are also very expensive; the cast often has to minimise rehearsal time to cut costs, which compromises the quality of the work produced. Sometimes I wonder if it’s really worth it, but my love for storytelling surpasses my financial needs.
5. I will continue working in this sector despite the challenges. I believe that more people need to be exposed to theatre because we tell South African stories in a unique and lively way. It’s an amazing experience, and people walk away with a changed perspective.
The show starts on 30 August and runs until 3 September at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre at the Market Theatre Square.