Isidingo star steps into guru’s big theatre shoes

Isidingo star Meshack Mavuso paid his respects to the late theatre guru Bongani Linda and is determined to continue Linda’s legacy.

“This is the man that made and shaped not just me but Mduduzi Mabaso, better known as Suffocate in Rhythm City, and many other acclaimed stars of theatre and music today,” said Mavuso of Linda.

Mavuso who plays Vusi Moletsane in the soapie has taken under his tutelage the 35 theatre children of Xquisite Productions, who were left high and dry by the sudden death of the theatre doyen in April.

Linda had groups of theatre children in Alexandra and Soweto, and as far afield as his hometown and final resting place, Newcastle in KwaZulu Natal.

“Linda’s Alex children kept coming to me, asking if I can take over the group and ensure that his vision lives on. After persistent requests from these kids, I found it in me to continue the work and legacy of this great son of the theatre,” Mavusi said.

Mavuso has co-produced and directed with his childhood friend, Zakhele Mabaso, One Square Mile, which is a musical theatre production that celebrates Alexandra’s 100 years of existence since its founding in 1912.

One Square Mile which references the original size of Herbert Papenfas’ farm, and which was developed into the first urban black settlement in the country and named after his wife, Alexandra, is currently showing at The Victory Theatre.

“I would love to see this production tour the country and ultimately the world. This is one of our small steps in the long road of re-establishing Alexandra’s long lost theatre and performing arts glory.”

He is determined to see this musical succeed and quoted the government slogan of ‘together we can do more’. “I have done my bit producing this musical and others must play their part financially and take this show to greater heights. That’s what I mean by together we can do more.”

Mavuso is passionate about Alexandra as the birth place of music giants. “I dream of reviving the glory of Alexandra when the likes of Ntemi Piliso, Mahlathini, Mahotela Queens, Isibaya Esikhulu and others too numerous to mention, roamed our streets as they entertained multitudes with their talents.

“The who is who of theatre, music, boxing and football in years gone by all came from Alexandra. But today the township has become synonymous with filth and rats as big as the size of cats.”

He added that this production would celebrate Alexandra’s great achievements in these varying fields of entertainment and hoped that it resurrected and brought back to life the long lost glory days.