Seyiso Qhola; Siya Badi; Cebisa Fubesi; Stacey Francke; Vuyo Stuurman; Nokubonga Jita; Atti Dyantyi; Candice Waries
Athenkosi Dyantyi from Alice, Eastern Cape started making theatre in Khayelitsha with Iqhude Theatre Productions, creating awareness plays on the topics including: crime, drug abuse and peer pressure and performing in different schools. As part of the Laduma Jungle Training programme he has performed in 4 plays and when he is not on stage he enjoys playing soccer, cricket and rugby.
Candice Waries from Ocean View, has always had a love for performing; from plays at primary and high school through to City Varsity, where she landed the lead role in Ulysses Black which toured National Arts Festival, Grahamstown. In 2008, she started Canned Ice Productions, taking productions to the Intimate Theatre as well as National Arts Festival. Since joining Laduma Jungle Training her skills in theatre making have grown significantly and she have developed a new love for costume and set design. She says: “Jungle Theatre Company has renewed my love for performing.”
Cebisa Fubesi from Langa, Cape Town took drama as a high school subject because other subjects were full and she had no choice. But as time progressed she started to love and enjoying the learning and experience of drama and the end of year production. Her teacher encouraged her to continue with drama and she completed a one-year diploma in Acting Industry at New Africa Theatre Association, but was unable to take her training further at the time due to financial difficulties. She established an organization Masakhane, with her mother in 2007, doing many activities to keep people away off the streets. Her mother saw the audition for Laduma Jungle Training advertised and encouraged her to follow her passion.
Nokubonga Jita moved to Cape Town, from Eastern Cape, in 2002 to start high school at Masiyile High Khayelitsha. She joined a street gospel choir and acting to a group Sinako after school. After matric she started Journalism at Rosebank College with the Business section but couldn’t finish it due to lack of finances. In 2009 she worked for Emandulo Production Company, her first time doing theatre performing for young adults, children and family shows. Laduma Jungle Training has challenged her to learn to perform for young children. She wants to be the voice for those who are voiceless and is busy writing poems and singing.
Seyiso Qhola moved from the Eastern Cape to Khayelitsha as a young child. At 14 he joined the group Iqhude Theatre Productions (then called Stars of Tomorrow) and performed at the Baxter Theatre, Artscape Theatre, Guga S’thebe and for the Premier of the Western Cape as well as community halls and collaborations. He was a performer in Artscape’s High Schools Festival and was performing for Iqhude’s programme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup events. As part of Laduma Jungle training her has performed in Jungle Jive, A Dog’s Life and Pick up Litter Parade, and now Umlambo Wobomi/ River Of Life.
Siyawandisa Badi lives in Makhaza, Khayelitsha: the huge society. He has worked into the performing arts industry since 2001 and was/is a member of Iqhude Theatre Productions. He joined Jungle Theatre Company’s Laduma Jungle training programme in January 2010 and has performed in Jungle Jive, A Dog’s Life, Pick Up Litter Parade and Umlambo Wobomi/ River of Life.
Stacey Francke comes from a small town called Ocean View. She started dance at the age of 13 and at 15 joined Arts Vibration Incorporated II. I furthered my knowledge and experience of dancing, singing and acting. She participated in a HIV/AIDS course as well her first production. She has “enjoyed every second of being part of Laduma Jungle Training and learning a lot. The making of props and designing costumes. Starting productions from scrap and turn it into excellent pieces of art.” But most importantly teaching children through our performances.”
Vuyolwethu Stuurman grew up in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. He fell in love with performing arts at the age of 13 performing with a character named Diliza in a story called Abakwazideng. In 2006 he joined Iqhude Theatre Production and developed my skills in the performing industry by performing around Cape Town educating the youth using arts as a tool. He has performed with many theatre companies around Cape Town as well as street performing at the V & A Waterfront. He has trained s a stunt man with Dimensional Stunt School and joined Laduma Jungle Training to learn children’s theatre.
