WeeklySA_AdminLEAN TIMES: Ex-Skeem Saam actor pleads with the public to empathise with poorly paid thespians who often have to survive on very little…
By Patience Bambalele
South African actor, playwright, percussionist and poet Macks Senatla Papo has appealed to the public not to put pressure on television stars as they too are experiencing a dose of life’s hard knocks.
Papo, who took a break last year to heed a spiritual call, made the plea after noticing that the plight of celebrities has not changed for the better. The legend argues that it is a known fact that actors are poorly paid, so they go through hard times just like everyone else – yet the society was still convinced they are well-to-do only because they appear on television, which often is not the case.
Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror, Papo said the struggle was real because many were unable to fend for themselves.
“The society puts undue pressure on celebrities. I realised this when I had to visit a seasoned actor who is currently in hospital. That man is alone and frail. Fame without fortune is meaningless. When we fail on the family front, we are criticised. A lot of us are homeless, don’t even have cars, and cannot even afford uber services to go to auditions because there is no money. I am still standing because I have strong angels who look after me.”
“I appeal to the society to cut us some slack. We are trying to survive. I’m speaking for many of my folks. We are dying because of depression. We are afraid to speak up. Stop with this socio-economic pressure on us. Don’t laugh at us when you see us at public hospitals because we don’t have medical aids.”
The 58-year-old is grateful to be back on the public scene to do what he enjoys. Since his return in November, he has been overwhelmed by requests to MC at gigs. He has landed a radio show on Mams Radio, a community radio station in Mamelodi township, north east of Pretoria. Just before he vanished, he appeared on the SABC 1’s Skeem Saam as Marothi Maphuthuma. He has hinted that, since he was not fired by the production, his role is likely to come back soon.
“I’m thankful that the show Skeem Saam did not announce to the public that I am taking a break. It was important for me to take this journey. I went to the wilderness, and I am back looking strong. The people that are with me are powerful. They saved me from people who wanted to capitalise on my fame and direct me in the wrong direction.
“I’m in a continuing student process of being an African prophet through powerful waters. I pray a lot. My people have taken over the process and they are initiating me directly. I can tell you what is happening in your life right now on the phone. Many people in the spiritual healing world wanted to steal the gift I have.”
Papo is among the black actors who made television acting fashionable, featuring in white soapies like Egoli. He is a Wits Drama School graduate and has appeared in many television shows.
MBONGO’S SHEPHERD OF NEW THEATRE TALENT
KICK-START: Theatre talent scout continuing his legacy of fostering emerging talent in the South African theatre landscape…
By Patience Bambalele
Newly appointed Zwakala Festival director and coordinator Thamsanqa “Thami’ Mbongo has big ideas for the festival.
Mbongo, who brings in lots of community theatre experience to the entertainment arena, is set to usher the Market Theatre’s longest festival in its 30-year milestone. For many years, community theatre festivals were known for opening opportunities for young writers, actors and directors.
Scouts spend their time watching newly produced work. Over the years theatre development initiatives have shrunk due to lack of funding and investment in this sector.
To herald the 30th edition, Mbongo has invited directors, casting agencies and other theatre companies to watch new talent and give them a platform to kick-start their career.
“I want to revive the old spirit of community. I have invited industry players and funders so that they can witness the potential (among the youth). Beyond that, I am looking for a way where we can continue work with these productions and see if we can get them a platform in other professional spaces.
“I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills and vision to the 2024 Zwakala Festival and to continue its legacy of fostering emerging talent in the South African theatre landscape. My mandate is to infuse a creative vibe and spirit into the four selected productions for the 30th Zwakala Festival, setting the stage for the resurgence of a thriving cultural celebration.”
Mbongo and his team started working on the project in December, where they invited 15 productions to showcase. Out of that 15, four were chosen and will be featured in the upcoming Zwakala Festival happening on February 24 and 25 at Ramolao Makhene Theatre in Newtown.
Throughout its existence, Zwakala’s main aim is to support and enhance the skills set of writers, directors, and actors. It also trains the participants in both the creative and practical side of producing professional theatre pieces.
Mbongo said:“Through our development programme, we identify productions and work with them by tightening their script. We work on how we should present these shows and how we can bring in lights and technical side to the production.
“We want the four productions to also attend funding workshops so that they learn important skills of applying for funding. The four plays we have chosen deal with different issues and challenge mindsets. I guarantee you that by the time they are staged in February they will be at a professional level and people are going to take something away from them.”
The four productions to be staged during Zwakala Festival will be judged by industry experts who will choose the winning group. The winning group will be given further support and be allowed to use the resources of the Market Theatre Foundation and be prepared to be staged at the theatre’s main stage.
