Drama teacher works on festival play
A PORT Elizabeth thespian is working on a play for the National Arts Festival – and a group of pupils from a disadvantaged Bay school will be the biggest winners.
Xabisolethu Zweni, 30, also known as “The Son of Theatre”, has been providing free drama, arts and culture classes at disadvantaged schools since 2008 as a means of keeping children off the streets.
“Teaching drama, something I’m so passionate about, has helped me make a difference in many communities,” he said.
“I interact with youth and teach them the importance of theatre and how they can use what they have learned on stage in their own lives.
“Each time I am with them I notice a difference – they are more outspoken and confident and they are aware that they have the ability to succeed no matter where they come from.”
Zweni said many children from Port Elizabeth knew nothing about life on stage.
At present, he is working with children from Walmer High.
“We have a rich history of amazing actors from John Kani to Winston Ntshona,” he said.
“All of this history isn’t taught in schools and I wanted a channel to impart this knowledge and my love for acting.”
Grade 12 pupil Nombuso Qolana, 18, said being part of the classes had helped her de-stress for exams. She said she felt ready for the year.
“We are under so much pressure, we have so much work to get through, but being able to come to these classes helped me learn how to do memory exercises,” she said.
“I learnt how to deal with stress and how to remain calm.”
Grade 8 pupil Yamkela Makeleni, 14, said the drama class had helped her meet new friends.
“We are new to the school and I was anxious about making friends. But these drama classes have made me more confident,” Makeleni said.
“I have also met new people and we are all friends now.”
The play to be taken to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown will be called Themba’s Dream.
The play follows the life of a young boy who dreams of flying a plane and leaving all the troubles of township life behind.
Zweni said the pupils were excited about helping him with his production.
Grade 8 pupil Hlonela Ndlovu, 14, said they were excited at the prospect of being on a professional stage.
“I still can’t believe we might be picked to go to the National Arts Festival. Everyone in class knows how important this is and we want to work hard so that we can do our best.”
Zweni has taught drama at St Thomas High School, Emafini Primary School, and Walmer Primary and High School. He is also a facilitator and trainer for Masifunde Development Programme at Walmer High.