She may be only 26 years old, but Eastern Cape-born Amanda Boto, now residing on the West Rand, has captivated The Market Theatre with her natural acting ability.
Her acting prowess was evidenced recently when she enthralled the audience with her fluidity as leading actress in a play called It’s A Wrap in which she portrays the leading role of Lindiwe, a girl who nearly was deprived of her dream.
The play is about a family feud where Lindiwe’s mother (then a model) died, leaving her daughter to go through the ordeal of having to endure a nagging father who did not want his daughter to be a model.
Yet against all odds, Lindiwe finally emerges victorious and becomes a top model.
Amanda has a clear knack for acting.
Recently she scooped a R10 000 cheque after being nominated the Best Female Actress at an award ceremony early this year at the Merafong Municipality, initiated by the Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture.
This happened when the Department embarked on a roadshow to raise awareness about substance and alcohol abuse – a malady that has gripped township youth – to pupils at high schools around Merafong, Wedela and Kokosi.
Now having established herself in theatre as an accomplished actress, Boto recently has been offered a role in two productions, which she says will be shot in two weeks’ time.
“The movie director Zuko Nodado said he was impressed with my performance at The Market Theatre and at Grahamstown National Arts Festival that he decided to rope me in his two productions,” Boto said after a lengthy meeting with her director at Maponya Mall in Soweto.
“I am studying scripts of both productions at the moment as shooting will commence soon,” said the excited actress.
“I would like to extend my thanks to my director and producer of It’s A Wrap, Thembeni Joni for having confidence in me as well as the staff at Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture for making me into what I am today,” Boto said.
* Words by Tilo Setlhare.
