For the love of storytelling
TELLING stories is what theatre practitioner and filmmaker Thanduxolo Zulu (40) does best.
Whether through performing and writing stories for the stage, or creating and capturing exceptional scenes through his camera, this Ngwelezana-born star continues to shine.
The down-to-earth artist was introduced to the world of storytelling while still at school.
“I was already an artist because I used to draw, but it took a visit from theatre legend Jerry Pooe to make me realise this was something I wanted to do.
After matriculating, Thanduxolo enrolled in journalism at Icesa, but changed his mind within his first year.
“My lecturer told me that journalism was not for me, and that I should focus on my art,” he recalled.
He started writing scripts, putting on shows across the region, and enrolled at Creative Arts College where he obtained a speech and drama qualification.
He proceeded to uMfolozi TVET College where he graduated with a diploma in public management.
In 2020, he and his friend Philangenkosi Mkhwanazi opened Insikayentsha Youth Project, which produces theatre and includes a drama club, indlamu group, gumboot dancers, musician group, and a reading and writing club.
“We identified a need for an arts group in this area. We have amazing talent, but young people are roaming the streets without it being seen. The group creates platforms where they showcase their work,” said Thanduxolo.
They work with various groups such as the Intshikayethonga production, and Thanduxolo has produced and directed music videos for artists such as Menzi Mabizela.
He also worked with Ikalamba Film Productions as a director of photography and cinematography on a series and various feature films such as
Hope.
His biggest dream is to see the King Cetshwayo region produce TV material and films.
“We have talent just like in bigger cities. If we can get the resources, we can definitely give them a run for their money,” he
concluded.