Bedfordview couple talks about 30 years of helping others through the arts (Video)
“I used theatre as an educational and developmental tool, which I have been doing since 1976.”
Artistic directors, writers and cultural activists Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba have been in the industry for over 30 years, changing the lives of many in disadvantaged communities.
The couple has lived in Bedfordview for 20 years and are artistic and managing directors at Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni, where they share their knowledge and experience about the arts with children from surrounding townships.
The centre is a visionary arts centre that promotes arts education, theatre performance and vocational training for capacity building, job creation, economic development and social transformation.
After graduating, Phyllis started teaching drama.
“I used theatre as an educational and developmental tool, which I have been doing since 1976,” said Phyllis.
In 1977, Smal went to Workshop 71, where he worked on experimental theatre under Robert McLlaren.
“I did ordinary acting and directing at the workshop and started teaching the arts to younger children in Daveyton,” said Smal who was later cast in African Odyssey at the Market Theatre in 1977.
Smal started the Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni with Phyllis.
“The kind of work we are doing is based on children; education is not a priority in townships. Parents usually want their children to go straight to work. We want to let them know education is important through theatre. We help them to focus and do things they thought they would never be able to do,” said Smal.
Phyllis said some of the students go back to school with the hunger to learn more and see the brighter side of education.
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“Cultural activity expresses our humanity, when children participate in the arts, it’s like they are in a pressure cooker and they let off steam. It teaches them self-confidence and how to communicate,” said Phyllis.
In 2005, Phyllis and Smal were both recipients of the Naledi Lifetime Achievement.
Smal said he loves seeing children perform and celebrating their cultures and heritage because during apartheid culture was not celebrated.
“Right now we are not working on anything artistic. We were approached by government to build capacity in rural art centres and give our input. I suppose in a way that will be part of our legacy,” said Phyllis.
She said the centre needs funding as they have started many new programmes such as teaching children with disabilities.
For future directors, writers and actors, the couple said days may get dark, but to never give up and keep pushing.
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