Performing arts brings out the best in Flora
When on stage and in character, Flora Lekganyane becomes someone else, someone who does not care what people say, someone free from judgement.
POLOKWANE – She so loses herself in her role that she is often reluctant to return to reality. Flora is Polokwane-born and raised and matriculated at Capricorn High School.
She studied media and communications, acting and writing for performance at the University of Limpopo.
“I completed my degree in 2010 and did my honours degree in media and communications in 2011. I worked for Paul Rapetoa, the writer, at the Institute of Dramatic Arts for two years. His son had a company, Mahuma Arts and Communication, which focused on industrial theatre, which is when a corporate business asks us to illustrate a theme via drama. We toured the country doing that,” she explains.
She also taught at Pepps Polokwane Preparatory for two years.
Last year she decided to take part in the South African Championships of Performing Arts (Sacopa) where she participated in two categories and received a bronze and a silver medal.
This year she participated in five categories and brought back four gold medals, as well as the overall trophy for women aged 28 to 29.
“Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas with the South African team, but I had to raise R 80 000 and couldn’t do so in time.”
Flora and a friend own Spotlight Events, which is an Industrial Theatre company. She write plays and creates a piece to the client’s satisfaction.
“We did a piece with Eskom as well as with Coca Cola. I love what I do as I love talking and being the centre of attention, which is funny as I used to have problems with my self-image and the way I look. Acting is my way to escape. I am still working on my self-esteem.”
She explains that the best part about acting is receiving a standing ovation.
“I also love the pressure backstage and the art of becoming someone else. Sometimes when I am in character, I do not want to come out. The worse part about acting is the hours, as well as the money.”
She advises the parents of young actors to allow them to consider it as a career.
“Your child should be allowed to study acting, support them and their dreams. There are lots of opportunities. Do not give up, it is a hard industry. I still attend every possible workshop as you never stop learning.”
Her dream is to start her own drama academy and she is studying for her teaching degree.
