WeeklySA_AdminTIRELESS: Author and actor says her role as director sets bar very high
By Gugu Sibiya
Palesa Mazamisa is one of those trail-blazing young women who have shattered the glass ceiling to claim their space next to their male counterparts.
Mazamisa is currently directing Dusk, a drama running at the Market theatre in Johannesburg, a rare feat in world of arts dominated by males and entrenched patriarchy in society.
An award-winning writer and director, Mazamisa says it is still tough to get a job at directing. “It’s a reality that we still see more men in those positions. The trick is to work hard and be honest about your ambitions.
“When you finally get a gig as a director, you work so hard that you open the door for other young capable women aspirant directors. Mentoring, which is something I’m very passionate about, should be a priority. I believe these are some of the avenues to explore,” she says.
“I appreciate the theatre for their tireless efforts to develop local talent,” she states. The year 2019 was the gifted creative’s year. She scooped the Naledi Theatre Award for Best New South African Script.
“I was ecstatic because it was totally unexpected. I was the only female competing against top dogs. It rekindled my inspiration and confidence. And that’s not all. I also walked away with an award for Best Supporting Actor for my satirical play, Shoes & Coups. It would have been relevant about now because of the uprisings in the country,” she says happily, pointing out she had seven nominations altogether.
Raised in Netherlands raised, Mazamisa says these are extremely important milestones for her. “I was excited to learn I was the first-ever woman to bag these awards. It’s pressure, its empowering but, more than anything, it feels good.”
Aside from mentoring a few young people, Mazamisa says she is working on another play with a political slant to be completed by the end of the year.
“I’m writing my second book. The first one was a collection of short stories. Other than directing, those are my projects for the year.
“The bar has been set high and mine is to make sure that I reach for the moon. Exploring film and television should broaden the experience” she says, adding that for now she’s enjoying the Market.
