Two aspiring artists, Sbusiso Nqoba Mhlongo (24) from Weenen and Thobelani Mdletshe (21) from Ephangweni were part of CAMP 2022 of The Playhouse Company (one of the leading national theatre companies in South Africa).
The Community Arts Mentorship Program (CAMP) took place between March and April 2022. CAMP assists community-based artists by providing them with mentors that help them hone their craft.
Sbusiso Mhlongo and Thobelani Mdletshe became the first young persons from Estcourt to ever be part of this program.
The program was directed by Menzi Mkhwane, who is a published playwright, actor, director, writer and producer.
The program exposes participants to a range of drama disciplines including voice production, acting technique, script writing and stage management, among others.
At the end of the program the mentees get to showcase what they have been learning throughout the program.
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During the program Menzi Mkhwane, the director, and the mentees were successful in creating and writing a showcase story that was performed by the mentees at the end of the program in April.
The story was that of Jesus but was told and performed in an African way, using the style that the director thought would best suit it.
In the play Sbusiso Mhlongo played John the Baptist and Thobelani Mdletshe played Joseph, father of Jesus.
“We played other different role but those were the vital ones. We performed at Loft Theatre of the Playhouse Company. The name of the show was UMsindisi The Musical,” said Thobelani.
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