TOTT HAS A NEW INTERN AND PORT ALFRED A NEW THEATRE TALENT
Reporter with knack for theatre directs, acts in play at Wharf
LEBOGANG Tlou is a quirky fresh face in Port Alfred, and working as an intern reporter at Talk of the Town.
Colourfully dressed in semi-ceremonial clothing, Tlou can be seen walking around Port Alfred with his staff Solaris, looking for new stories.
Born in Pretoria in 1991, Tlou attended Rhodes University where he graduates this year in journalism and drama.
“I left Gauteng after I was almost institutionalised for my absurdity by my family who simply did not get that I studied to be an absurdist,” said Tlou.
During his university days, Tlou worked for Grocotts Mail, Cue National Arts Festival Newspaper and the Oppidan Press, all Rhodes-driven publications. He also spent a holiday working at the Pretoria News.
“But theatre is in my blood,” he said.
His stage name is Baha’Al’Akbar.
On moving down to the coast in September, Tlou said he simply followed the Fish River to the ocean. While here he met up with entertainer Flame (Jeanne Harris-Metter), and decided he needed to direct a play for the pair of them to perform in Port Alfred over season.
Although he has worked in theatre productions in the past, the play, entitled #DinnerWithOne, is Tlou’s first as a director-producer.
“I had to consider what a 50-odd-year-old American and a 25-year-old black South African could do together, and then I discovered the well-known play in my archives, Dinner
for One, which would allow a mechanism for us to discuss our differences,” he said.
“#DinnerWithOne is my first project as a theatre-maker working independently from an academic institution – and so it means the absolute world to me. Theatre is my life, and the greatest treasure to be forgotten by society on a mass scale – which I have always felt to be one of the greatest tragedies of our time.
“Over the next year, I aspire to introducing as many of my people to theatre as possible – so as to prevent more young black adults from almost becoming institutionalised for being theatrical in everyday life. As the great Dr Augusto Boal said: ‘Life is a play’.”
The play starts at 7pm and tonight’s (Thursday’s) performance is already fully-booked. Seating for Friday is limited so get there early to ensure your seat.
The full bar and regular menu are also available.