Cue Online (Grahamstown)
Bongeka Gumede
11 July 2011
Grahamstown — Zamuxolo Mgoduka is an artist who is in the business of healing people through theatre. “I tell sad stories in a light way because I want people to be healed when they come to my shows,” said Mgoduka, who wrote, directs and choreographed Uqongqothwane (The Beetle).
Although this is not the first production that Mgoduka has brought to the Festival, this time stands out because the production was influenced by the skills and knowledge he gained from the Remix project in 2009.
A Festival initiative to develop artists, Mgoduka described his involvement with the project as having brought about a turning point in his career, which he describes as life-changing.
The Remix Project aims to empower community-based theatre groups around the country. “It’s a very good initiative. Remix changed me and I think they should really continue doing it,” he said.
Remix is a residency programme which takes place during the Festival.
Performers from around the country perform their productions to each other and critique one another’s offerings.
Creative arts workshops are held for the participants who are mentored by professional directors, actors and managers to help the groups to improve their productions.
“We took part in workshops including business workshops which is important because as artists that’s where we falter,” said Mgoduka.
As part of the project, involved groups also are given access to 15 productions.
“It was great to be able to see all those productions, especially because it’s something that most of us could not afford,” he said.
For Uqongqothwane (The Beetle), Mgoduka made the stage props himself.
“I made the hut using old sewerage pipes. I also made the puppets, as well as the papier mâché masks which I learnt to make while I was part of Remix,” he said.
This year Mgoduka also co-directed the official opening ceremony of the Festival.
“I never dreamed that I would one day open the Festival. The only experience of Festival I had as a child was as a mime artist and we weren’t even allowed to do it back then,” he said.
AllAfrica – All the Time
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Healing People Through Theatre