Soweto Theatre’s 10th anniversary raises hope for township arts
CEO talks about challenges and future plans
In 2007, former Joburg mayor Amos Masondo announced the construction of a multimillion-rand theatre in Soweto.
Critics and the industry hailed the move, saying it was long overdue because of the rich theatre history and tradition that has always existed among Sowetans.
Five years later, the state-ofthe-art Soweto Theatre in Jabulani opened its doors with evergreen classic The Suitcase, based on Can Themba’s short story of the same title.
As the theatre celebrates its 10-year milestone today, Sowetan sat down with Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatres which comprises Joburg,, Roodepoort and Soweto theatres, to reflect on the journey.
Nduneni-Ngema, who turns 60 this year, looks radiant and stylish. It has been a long road from a girl who grew up in Daveyton, East Rand, when theatre was big in the townships. As a young woman she acquired a social science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and later read for creative writing at Wits University.
Like many young people of her era, Nduneni-Ngema landed in a community drama group where she learnt to act, sing and dance.
However, with time, she realised she was more keen on the administration of the arts than performing on stage.
Thirty years later, she is leading the 10-year celebrations of the Soweto Theatre. As part of the celebrations, the theatre has planned a yearlong programme filled with poetry, comedy and music by performers who have graced the Soweto stage in the past decade.
Among the big stars who have performed at the theatre include Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Blondie Makhene, Sipho “Hotstix” Mbuse, Thandiswa Mazwai, Soul Brothers and the now late Sibongile Khumalo and Hugh Masekela.
“In celebrating 10 years, we decided to celebrate with people who made a contribution to Soweto arts and honour them. We did a tribute of the late doyen of theatre Gibson Kente,” Nduneni-Ngema said.
“But we still want to stage some of his works at Soweto Theatre. We also have a legspace ends event in September, featuring people like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Moses Ngwenya and PJ Powers.”
With all theatres struggling with audiences in recent years, Soweto was not spared.
The theatre had to position its programming in a way that appeals to the community and make sure the facility was active.
“It has not been an easy journey for us. When the three theatres were integrated, the City of Joburg did not increase the budget. It meant that with the budget we had, we can only pay salaries and look after the infrastructure.
“The content part was neglected. The board of Joburg City Theatres suggested that content be transformed. We looked at what we wanted to do with the Soweto Theatre to achieve. The key issue for us was deciding on whether the venue can be used as a place for dramas or also use it as a for all creative art forms.
“We noticed that for daytime programming, setworks were doing well. We plan on capitalising on that by adding more because I want the theatre busy from Tuesday until Sunday. I want to see more kids coming into the theatre, which means we need to work on our content. For adults, we noticed that music events are popular and people love it.
“We now understand what Sowetans want. On the last Sunday of the month, we have Seven Colours Sunday, which is a food and lifestyle event where people come and enjoy a colourful Sunday meal with family.
“On Saturday, we have a craft market which sells goods made by Sowetans on the last week of the month.”
Looking beyond 10 years, Nduneni-Ngema and her team want to increase the partnership with other theatres locally and internationally.
She’s also looking forward to reopening the newly refurbished Jabulani Amphitheatre, an open-air entertainment venue next to the theatre. Before the old venue was closed for renovations, it hosted some of the biggest music events and maskandi festivals.
Mabuse, who has performed at his hometown venue many times, said the Soweto Theatre stood for advancement and development of arts and theatre in the township.
“When mayor Masondo built the space he showed utmost respect for theatre and the arts industry. During apartheid, theatre works were performed in township halls with no proper facilities. Theatre has a long, rich history in Soweto, long before the physical structures [to perform it] were built,” Mabuse said.
“Now, Sowetans have a theatre of international class to advance and continue with our old culture of theatre. For me, the space is crucial in growing our arts in the township.
“What I would love to see is the theatre getting more spotlight so that people can understand what it is about. I want to see it hosting shows that go to inner city theatres. This will help Sowetans to enjoy theatre in their own backyard instead of going to the city.”
Music legend PJ Powers, who used to perform at the Jabulani Amphitheatre with her band Hotline in the ’80s and ’90s, said: “Soweto Theatre is symbolic to where my career started which is Soweto Amphitheatre, in the same vicinity. I kind of got my soft landing getting the unconditional love from black people in this country there.
“For me, Soweto Theatre is a symbol that townships have grown and can stand on their own. The fact that the theatre is within a township and people can frequent as many times as they would want is marvellous.”