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Ratladi sharpened his acting in theatre, and his portrayal of Goloza on Shaka iLembe introduced him to most South African TV viewers.
Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA) for theatre Calvin Ratladi. Picture: Supplied
The tension between theatre and television has existed as long as TV has been around.
When actor Calvin Ratladi’s name was announced as the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA) for theatre, the room filled with artists erupted in loud cheers.
“I think most of them are excited about the ‘Shaka’ guy, and in theatre I’m a different guy,” Ratladi told The Citizen.
The 34-year-old sat down for a chat with The Citizen on Thursday evening after he was announced as one of the six recipients of the SBYA.
Ratladi sharpened his skill as an actor in theatre, and his portrayal of Goloza on Shaka iLembe introduced him to most South African TV viewers.
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Goloza on Shaka iLembe
On Shaka iLembe, Ratladi is the firstborn son of Queen Ntombazi, portrayed by Khabonina Qubeka. In the story, because of Goloza’s disability, he is exiled to live in a cave with a zombie-like figure.
“I rejected the role for three years,” he says.
Goloza is King Zwide kaLanga’s older brother. Their mother uses Goloza as a conduit for supernatural powers that can help strengthen his younger brother’s reign.
Ratladi said he turned down the role because he thought it would be stereotyping. Ratladi lives with kyphoscoliosis, which is an abnormal curve of the spine.
“Africa has a violent history with people living with disabilities. That’s the truth; we can’t shy away from it. We think that certain bodies possess certain spiritual, supernatural powers,” shared the actor.
However, the script and how thoroughly researched the role was convinced him to join the show.
From the smallest detail, like the powder, known as imbola, that was used to cover his body. Most South Africans first saw the powder on screens being used on Isibaya on a zombie character.
He said he agreed to be covered with the powder after they explained its purpose to him.
“Imbola absorbs body odour. So if you understand the context of the story, I’m growing up in a place where I’m not supposed to be existing, in a cave, where my mother can’t take care of me.”
“I can’t take away the magnitude of that show. As much as I rejected that show for three years, it was not about me —I had to listen,” he says.
He said he has turned down numerous roles because they were stereotyping him.
“Some people ask me to come play characters of sick people in hospital drooling. After acting in Shaka [iLembe], when I’m working as a lecturer…why can’t I be a lawyer in your production?”
Ratladi is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, in film directing, among other things.
The second season of Shaka iLembe will premiere on Sunday, 15 June, at 8pm on Mzansi Magic.
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SBYA opening doors for others
The other recipients of the SBYA are Asanda Ruda (dance), Siyasanga “Siya” Charles (Jazz), Modise Sekgothe (poetry), Muneyi (music) and Nyakallo Maleke (visual art).
“We are proud to support this new generation of visionaries as they continue to shape the future of our cultural landscape and ensure that our creative heritage thrives for decades to come,” said Bonga Sebesho, Standard Bank Group head of sponsorship.
The SBYA celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
More than 180 directors, actors, dancers, playwrights, musicians, poets, and visual artists have received the prestigious award since its inception –the recipients include William Kentridge, Andrew Buckland and Mbongeni Ngema.
In his speech at the SBYA, he said he hopes the award opens doors for others living with disabilities.
He hasn’t allowed himself to use the physical disability to limit him. Ratladi has garnered Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival and showcased his work at festivals in Germany and Luxembourg.
He says South Africa has many talented artists who happen to live with disabilities. One such artist is jazz pianist and singer Yonela Mnana, who is blind.
“How did Yonela Mnana not win SBYA? How did he get missed? How did Nadine Minaar get missed? Because they live with a disability, but those people are having more international contracts than here in South Africa.”
“I’m not gonna lie, but what Standard Bank and the National Arts Festival is doing currently is revolutionary.”
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