POET GROWS FRESH TALENT
PERFORMANCE poet and writer Primrose Mrwebi is self-funding the PrimPoetry Competition, which launches tomorrow at the Makukhanye Art Room (aka Shack Theatre) in Khayelitsha.
Those entering will have an opportunity to perform their pieces in front of the judges and the audience. The judges are Mrwebi, Roche Kester and Vuyokazi Ngemntu.
Mrwebi spoke about the project.
How did PrimPoetry’s association come about at the Makukhanye/Shack Theatre?
I live in Makaya, Khayelitsha, and I know Mandisi (Sindo) through his work at the Zabalaza Festival and his work with Makukhanye and his activism in the arts.
I think what he is doing is very important.
(Mandisi Sindo heads up Theatre4Change based at Shack Theatre and organises events there.)
Do you feel strongly about self-funding and producing this maiden competition?
I am self-funding the competition because it’s better to ask for funding for things you have tried and tested.
I am using my money because I love what I do and it’s a demonstration of great faith in new and undiscovered talent – the same as I was afforded opportunities, for a young black girl from the township.
I have been a performance poet for the past 10 years or so.
I want to extend my love of books, poetry and theatre to other people so that we can grow our industry.
Are there any rules in terms of entering and costs?
The competition is free and anyone can enter. It is open to woman and men.
The idea is that we grow the industry. We cannot kick anyone outside of opportunities. It is about the love of poetry.
In what languages should poems be written?
Xhosa, English and Afrikaans, because between myself, Vuyokazi and Roche that is what we can speak and pass judgement on.
The winners will walk away with prizes such as book vouchers and money.
Tell us about your journey to the world of poetry/spoken word performance
I am 41 and loving it. I was born and raised in Gugulethu then later moved to Khayelitsha.
I was schooled at the Waterfront Theatre College by Delia Sainsbury and the late Keith Galloway.
After attaining qualifications in speech, drama and journalism, I worked at Fair Lady magazine for a few years and started to freelance and write more creatively.
My love of writing goes deeper than that. My mother loved reading and my sisters and I understood that reading was important. She loved Charles Dickens.
In our home, we knew that we needed to read to access a greater world. My mother said that.
Any last words? In August there’s another competition, with woman-aligned themes.
Complete the online form, call PrimPoetry at 064 783 5199 or e-mail PrimPoetry@ gmail.com for details.