Standerton youth inspired by theatre experience
The highlight of the trip was watching Sarafina!, the legendary musical that tells the story of the 1976 youth uprising.
Young performers from Standerton returned home inspired and motivated after an educational theatre and heritage trip to Johannesburg and Soweto, where they experienced professional theatre for the first time.
The excursion was organised by Nzambenang Film Productions NPC under the leadership of Wendy Mlangeni in partnership with Think Films, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the National Arts Council, Siyanqoba Performing Arts and Stanwest Libraries.
The group travelled to Johannesburg and Soweto on May 26, where they watched the iconic musical Sarafina! at the Soweto Theatre and visited historic sites including Mandela House on Vilakazi Street and the Market Theatre.
For many of the children and youth, it was their first time travelling outside their township or entering a professional theatre space.
“In the township, people often undermine theatre and performance art, saying young people are just doing ‘ama sketch’,” said Wendy Mlangeni.
“But this workshop and exposure trip showed them that theatre is a real profession, a real career, and a powerful tool for education, healing, storytelling and transformation.”
The aspiring actors, dancers and storytellers were inspired after seeing professional backstage operations, lighting setups and live performances up close.
Young participants Wendy Mbele, Sphelele Maseko and Sibusiso Shabalala said the experience motivated them to work harder towards their artistic dreams.
“After seeing the performance and the level of professionalism, we realised that all this time we were only scratching the surface,” said one participant.
“Now we understand how much work, discipline and passion are needed to reach these stages,” said the participant.
The highlight of the trip was watching Sarafina!, the legendary musical that tells the story of the 1976 youth uprising and the fight against apartheid.
The group also met cast members backstage, where veteran performers encouraged them to remain disciplined and believe in their potential.
The visit to Mandela House and Vilakazi Street added a strong historical element to the experience, allowing the young artists to connect storytelling, theatre and South Africa’s history in a meaningful way.
According to Mlangeni, the initiative was designed to empower and mentor young creatives from disadvantaged communities.
ALSO READ: Winnie Radebe recognised as Hall’s Winter Hero for community upliftment work
“What touched me most was seeing them dream bigger,” said Mlangeni.
“Some of these children had never seen a real theatre before. To watch their faces light up when they entered those buildings, when they saw the stages, the actors, the lights, that was priceless.
They came back believing that their talent matters,” said Mlangeni.
Nzambenang Film Productions NPC continues to use storytelling, theatre, dance and creative arts to address social issues affecting youth while creating opportunities for artistic growth and education in Standerton and surrounding communities.
