For 16-year-old Kgothatso Chiwayo, stepping through the doors of Franklin Players for the first time earlier this year felt like leaping into the unknown.

Today, he describes it as one of the best decisions he has ever made. The Roosevelt High School learner is already making a name for himself as a two-time award-winning actor, poet, athlete and junior councillor chairperson for the MMC of sports, culture and community development within the Johannesburg Student Council. Yet despite an impressive list of achievements, he simply describes himself as “an actor who’s always looking to learn, grow and tell stories that connect with people.”

His journey with Franklin Players began after fellow actor Khaya Dube encouraged him to audition for the group’s One Act Play Festival productions. “I officially joined the cast of A New Lease on Life and The Passenger at the beginning of this year,” he said. “Looking back, that audition turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

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Established in 1962, Franklin Players has been part of the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre for more than six decades, providing opportunities for people of all ages to experience theatre through productions, festivals, workshops and performances.

For Kgothatso, the theatre is much more than a place to perform. “It’s a place where people who genuinely love storytelling come together,” he said, adding that everyone is constantly learning from one another, pushing each other to improve and working towards one goal, which is giving the audience the best show possible. He believes theatre has changed him both on and off the stage.
“It has shown me how broad creative expression can be. Art is one of the most powerful ways to connect people. It unlocks some of the deepest parts of us and allows us to share those parts with others.”

The experience has also strengthened his confidence and ability to work with others – skills he said extend far beyond acting. His favourite production so far has been A New Lease on Life, a slapstick comedy that allowed the cast to embrace humour while building strong connections behind the scenes. One moment remains especially meaningful. “Just before going on stage, one of my fellow cast members and I shared a quiet moment where we reminded each other why we were there. It motivated me to give the audience the show they deserved.”

Like many community arts organisations, Franklin Players faces challenges, including limited recognition, funding and resources. Yet Kgothatso believes its greatest strength lies in the people who walk through its doors. “The work requires trust, teamwork and communication. Spending so much time creating together naturally builds friendships that last beyond the stage.” He believes those experiences help members develop valuable life skills, from public speaking and communication to confidence and teamwork.

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His message to anyone considering acting is to take the leap of faith. “The first step is always the hardest. But once you’ve taken it, you’ve opened the path to many more.” As Franklin Players continues its workshop series for aspiring performers, Kgothatso hopes more members of the Roosevelt Park community will discover the value of supporting local theatre.
“Arts and culture help shape our identities. They build confidence. They give us a voice.”
He concluded by saying Franklin Players isn’t just a stage; it’s a place where people discover talents they never knew they had while helping build a stronger community through the arts.

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