Represent Interview: KGAUZA DUBE
We like keeping an eye on some of the formidable people that we meet in life. Kgauhelo Dube is one of them. We love peeps who are full of their very own unique and unusual plans – but we REALLY love peeps who make them happen. Here’s one such person – self-created theatre producer “Kgauza” is taking her one-man show to the G-town festival – read all about how she made the change from PR into theatre and make sure to catch “Waiting for Thandiwe” in G-town. Big ups sisi and break a leg! You inspire us.
“Waiting for Thandiwe” – Grahamstown Schedule
Venue: Dicks Hall (in the Monument)
Tickets: R50/ Students R40
July 2007:
Mon 2 10:00
Tue 3 14:00
Wed 4 18:00
Thu 5 12:00
Fri 6 22:00
Sat 7 14:00
Represent:
So Kgauza, give us the short version of your backstory if you don’t mind… from birth to now…
KG:
I am an energetic 25 year-old Pretorian … and have close affinity to my hometown…I think my personality is very reflective of Tshwane…sunny, jazzy and free-spirited. When I was growing up I never wanted anything to do with media or journalism because I used to miss my Mom, who was a busy journalist for the Sowetan…I guess, ironically, I ended up studying Integrated Marketing Communications and landed my first gig in PR and that’s when the media bug got me.
After PR, I moved on to strategic planning within advertising, which I quite liked until I made a major move to give the ad game a bit of a break and apply my strategic thinking to advance the arts & culture fraternity, which definitely needs more support on the strategy side in order for it an economically viable industry. Theatre was a genre for me to decide on due to my love for it from an early age. I remember attending all the plays at the school festivals held in high school, yet…I’m not an actor.
Momentarily, I am producing “Waiting for Thandiwe”, a romantic 1-man comedy under my baby…my company called Black Curtain Theatre Movement, in partnership with Lulama Masimi, who wrote and starred in the play. Black Curtain Theatre Movement aims to take theatre out of its conventional theatre confines, which at times doesn’t appeal to the youth and also and most importantly, make theatre cool!
Another exciting project I am working on is the Newtown Women in Arts Festival; which is happening in August. I am the Deputy Festival Manager and am thoroughly excited about being part of the women-focused cultural revolution! Check out the http://www.newtown.co.za/ site in a few weeks for the programming!
Represent:
I remember you inviting us to a play in your lounge just as you decided to go into it seriously – was this how you started to make a career out of it? What were your motivations for taking a leap like this?
KG:
Yeah, I put the play on at my very modest home, a cute cottage in Parkview on 16 June 2006, to commemorate the youth of ’76. I invited my friends in Jozi (of course Represent is in my little black book) to see it because Lulama has had a season in Cape Town before. We wanted to see our friends’ response to the story (we knew if they liked it…we’d be on to something big) and to the idea of theatre not being in a conventional theatre space. The response was phenomenal…
Represent:
Many people are skeptical of the arts – we at Represent believe that the arts are our blood and that without them life cannot go on and is pretty damn empty – what are your feelings of the importance of arts in our lives?
KG:
I’d have to agree. Arts & Culture is so important for many reasons, but most importantly, it’s the only industry that can influence a huge amount of people at one go… think Bob Marley through his music, think Steve Biko through his spoken word, think Sam Nzima’s photo of Hetor Petersson on June 16th…need I say more?
Represent:
Do you think the support of arts is enough? If not, why and how can we change this?
KG:
Naaaahh, far from enough… As a producer, I think my contribution would be to churn out fresh theatre content that youngsters can relate to and find cool and then maybe all these “cool” brands will take notice and support the arts…they have the necessary budgets to influence the youth.
Represent:
Tell us about “waiting for Thandiwe” – What inspired your story?
KG:
Waiting for Thandiwe is about a young man’s rising insecurities in anticipation of his sophisticated girlfriend’s visit to his home in the township. He realizes that their romantic relationship was always set against an urban backdrop while they were at university. Now he’s home for the holidays and Thandiwe is on the way. He’s freaking out about how he needs to present himself, should he wear All-Stars now that he’s ekasi, should he be an intellectual since his mom bought him a suit before his graduation, should he be a holy rasta?
Lulama Masimini, my business partner, is a UCT drama graduate and this was his stroke of genius for his Honours. What I think inspired him to write such a story is his own personal experiences as a young man in varsity… the identity issues that arise…the growing pains.
Represent:
As a “watcher”, why should I come and see your play?
KG:
You need to watch it because it’s hilarious! The way the brother morphs into different characters will leave you wanting the play to be a series (a la Prison Break) that you can tune into every week!
Represent:
Why the G-town festival? Are you looking forward to it?
KG:
For us, the season at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown is an entrée, for “Thandiwe” and for future black curtain theatre movement productions.
We just wanna put on a thoroughly-entertaining and polished show and meet great contacts, I believe we have a bright future in theatre!
Represent:
We’re huge fans of the G-town festival and believe it’s a “must-do” for any young art lover – what are your motivations for young people to attend the festival in the Eastern Cape and how can they get there on the cheapile? Any festival advice?
KG:
Guys, you are hardly ever gonna experience so much art in one place. Go for it, explore different genres, meet crazy creatives, have a blast but most importantly, SOAK UP ALL THAT CULTURE! Ja, especially you Jozi peeps!
On a practical note… keep warm…it can get freezing!
Represent:
Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they?
KG:
The great community theatre legends, Phyllis Klotz & Smal Ndaba of Sibikwa.
Represent:
Who are your top 5 theatre people both in South Africa and abroad?
Phyllis Klotz
Smal Ndaba
Vincente Minelli
Lulama Masimini
Seputla Sebogodi
William Shakespeare
Represent:
What is your advice to the wannabe thespians out there as someone who has made it happen?
KG:
Theatre is an interesting industry. There are a lot of “veterans” don’t be intimidated that you’re the “new kid on the block”…ask for advice, but don’t be afraid to innovate. Times are a-changing…
Represent:
What is your 5 year plan?
Year 1-2: Build up black curtain theatre movement (Thandiwe needs to gain a cult status)
Year 3-4: Plan our own theatre academy
Year 5: Would love black curtain theatre academy to open up
As you know though Ed, what you want to happen and what ends up happening, can be 2 very different things. I still rely on the universe’s wicked sense of humour! Who knows what’s gonna happen?
Represent:
What should I do if I am in high school and I’d like to go into acting or directing or theatre in general. In your opinion, what’s the best route?
KG:
I think the best route, whilst you are in high school, join a drama club if you have one at school and explore if you are really into it. If your school doesn’t have a club, find your nearest theatre and tap into their outreatch projects.
Take your time, the world is your ampitheatre!
Represent:
Any messages for the youth of South Africa?
KG:
We have so many support structures in place, let’s take advantage of the opportunities that are available to us. Support the arts! Grow your world…especially if you can’t travel!
