Art titans meet to discuss ways to grow the industry in Alexandra

Many local artists from actors to directors, musicians to producers, dancers and choreographers converged at the Olive Tree Theatre to discuss the challenges that face the art fraternity in Alexandra.

Among those in attendance was the generation’s the legacy actor Mpho Joseph Molepo, actor and scriptwriter Refilwe ‘Fifi’ Pieterse and founder of the Olive Tree Theatre Ntshieng Mokgoro.

Mokgoro told attendees that the meeting was aimed at discussing the challenges faced by the local art industry and find solutions to those challenges. “The art industry is slowly dying in Alexandra. Theatres that used to be a centre and a stage where social ills were discussed have become places for the elites. Substances and drugs are taking over our youth. Where are the artists to rebuke this spirit of drugs and substances that kill our children?” she asked.

“We have a duty in society as artists to teach and raise awareness about dangers of things like drugs. We have called this meeting to find out why drama, theatre and music that was used in the to fight apartheid and spread the message is failing today.”

Artists who attended the meeting pointed out issues of skills development, facilities to develop new talent, funding, unity among local artists and access to information as some of the challenges crippling the growth of the industry.

Veteran actor Mpho Molepo appealed to all local artists to unite and work together in order to revive and take the art industry in Alexandra to its heights.

As a way forward, it was agreed to establish Alexandra Theatre and Dance Forum – a body which will comprise of local artist and community members that will serve as a centre of information for local artists and protect them from exploitations.

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