FOCUS • DRAMA

Performance arts and social media

Art can be used as a tool for expressing all that lies within your heart. It aids in pursuing your passions, and can sometimes be the best way to face the harsh realities of life in a rather whimsical manner. Theatre is one way of doing this and can prove to be quite an adventure.

BY Mathudi Ralekhetho | University of Pretoria Student and Youth Leader

Debut in theatre

One example of this is the young 22-year-old aspiring actress, Kgajane Ralekhetho. She landed her very first role in the play Sleeping Beauty as the wealthy, theatrical and regal Queen Gertrude. This theatre production ran twice a day between the 26th of March to the 2nd of April 2022. Although it was quite demanding, she enthusiastically continued to perform. Kgajane recounts that she did not even think she would get the part during the auditions, as she was surrounded by many teenage performers who were more experienced in theatre productions. “It was so nerve-wracking! There were so many young, talented actors and actresses there and they all seemed to know each other very well. I felt a little out of place, but still excited,” she recalled. She was thrilled to show her own unique way of expressing the character during the audition.

Then, when she received the news that she got the part, she was taken aback.

She saw this as a blessing from God. “It was unbelievable! Many emotions were flowing in at once: utter shock, joy, gratitude and even pride. This was my first big break in the industry. I was proud that I got the role of a main character. Father-God really blessed me!” she said happily. She had been praying about becoming an actress ever since she was in high school. This was her dream for the longest time, inspired by watching acclaimed performers on the screen.

A unique experience

The moment she got into art school—doing a B.A. in Live Performance—she knew that it was where she was meant to be. The fact that she thrived in the environment proved this. “There was no Plan B for me. It was this, or nothing. I had to give it my all!” she said passionately. The rehearsals for the play went well. They did many amusing and beneficial exercises to help them break out of their shells and explore various ways of presenting their characters. The young actress managed to also make a few friends. However, a few of the performers were not that comfortable with her, because it appeared as if they had already formed bonds amongst each other prior to the play. “Although we weren’t all friends or close, we managed to remain civil and professional. As a performer, you have to remember that not every person, or group of persons, will like you. God granted me the love and patience to try to deal with it,” she said.

The cast as a whole never allowed awkwardness, or any negative emotion to get in the way of their performance, thankfully so; the play was a brilliant success and had audience members of all ages laughing merrily.

Kgajane enjoyed being on stage and felt right at home. It was a marvellous experience. She learned a lot from her co-stars, who assisted her in improving a few of her skills. Moreover, she learned about how theatre productions work, all the technicalities such as creating sets, placing the props in just the right position and angle for the best visual appeal, and wearing a lot of expressive make-up! It was quite different from TV productions. The actress felt she could have made it more enjoyable for herself, as she was a little too focused on giving a more than satisfactory performance. “Oh my word, I took it way too seriously. Finally, it kicked in that it’s okay to make mistakes and to just have fun. I’ll try to remember that next time,” she laughed.

Beneficial usage of media

Paying attention to some of the local and international stars in the media resulted in a positive influence on my dear sister that lead to a rewarding outcome. Being on social media does not always have adverse effects, I realised. Potentially becoming a “struggling artist” is not just a stereotype. It is a reality that all artists face at some point in their lives, however, it does not have to be like that forever. Using media to find opportunities as well as using it as a platform to present yourself, can steer you in the right direction. It is important to just remain resilient in any field of work or art form, and when it is your time, God will provide. Kgajane is extremely passionate about the performing arts; telling stories that may teach and inspire others. She discovered that God will grant you the strength you need to continue fuelling your passion. You must just keep pushing forward. Therefore, keep holding onto and pursuing your dreams, my amazing fellow artists!