Showbusiness lessons for talented youth
AWARD-WINNING film and theatre maker from Nyanga East, Sipho Nuse, is introducing young people on the Cape Flats to the magic of making film and acting on the world stage.
The 23-year-old, who has bagged international awards for his work, also has two short films that have been showing in Europe and the US, among other countries.
“My dream is to see the youth breaking boundaries and healing souls through the power of cinema and stage. I thought I could transfer the little skills and knowledge I have to the youth and make films. That, of course, comes with challenges like (lack of) proper equipment (cameras, sound, lights). I am working on having this project starting at least early January,” he said.
Nuse is also in his final year of studies in film and television at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and has been providing training in theatre and drama to NGOs and pupils in primary and high schools.
Through the programme, the youngsters have performed at the Artscape, Baxter, Fugard and Masque theatres. “The fun fact is that they all have never set foot in a theatre space and through this programme, they are able to showcase their talent on bigger stages. I am in need of financial backing so that I’m able to purchase the appropriate tools. The aim is that I can also reach areas such as the Eastern Cape where the majority of youth is totally not exposed to film-making.”
Nuse said he was writing another short film that tackles the dehumanisation and marginalisation of the LGBTQ+ community which he planned to shoot in September.
“I write, produce and direct my own short films. My work includes Jabu and Inkaba, and both of these short films are showing at Côte d’Azur WebFest Film festival (due to Covid-19, the films are showing online). The short film Jabu holds three awards for best short film, young film-maker award and best action drama award, and has been continuing to screen internationally including in Russia, Bulgaria and the US,” he said.
Italian theatre and film-maker Fatima Johnson, who now resides in South Africa, said of Nuse: “He started training drama in high school in response to a lot of crime and violence happening in Delft at the time. He kept the youth busy by teaching them the power of theatre and storytelling.
“For the very first time in their lives, these kids stood on a professional stage in front of a captive audience performing plays directed and some written by this young man. This was and still is a platform for healing, learning and safety for children in the Cape Flats.”
For more details or to donate, contact Nuse on 061 895 3874.