Setting the Scenes

Our aims become clearer and clearer through each workshop we hold with the Ekhaya performers. As mentioned before, we have decided to produce a radio drama series based on the issue of young parenthood, the problems that come with it and all the people that are affected by it. What we came to understand through our time with Aiya, Bheza, luvuyo and Vuvu are the stereotypical or generalized ways in which township life plays out. According to Aiya, it is not uncommon to find a young woman or teenager who feels no shame in having a boyfriend for airtime, a boyfriend for clothes, one for transport and so on.

Baby steps......

Our most recent workshop with the performers of Egazini resulted in much excitement surrounding our up and coming drama series. I went to fetch the 4 of them from Extension 6 where Egazini is located and brought them to the Africa Media Matrix (otherwise known as the Journ Department) where Sipho and I held our second workshop. We started off by listening to a locally produced radio drama called Beauty and the Beats and chatted about it afterwards. The response was rater eye-opening! Most of the comments were critical of the drama, specifically surrounding its not-so-hot script and it’s equally as ‘chilled’ acting. I was quite chuffed about the fact that the performers were able to identify problems with a radio drama. This meant they would be able to bring their knowledge and skills to the table when it comes time to produce our first drama. Then it came time to chat about the issue they felt are most prominent in their community and feel is necessary to produce a drama about. The unanimous decision was ‘young parenthood’.

Getting Started

Sipho and I have decided to work with a drama group who form part of the Ikhaya Theatre Company which is a smaller company under the umbrella project of Egazini. These 5 people, 3 men and 2 women, are actors and actresses by nature and profession. their personalitlies are vibrant and each of them are as excited as we are about our collaboration. All five grew up and currently live in the township that makes up a great part of Grahamstown. Thus, they are fully aware of the problems and social issues that are prevalent in their society as well as the psotive aspects that they and others experience in the township. It is these positive aspects that they wish to focus on instead of dwelling on the negative as is too often done. Even though bhiza's mother was shot and killed by criminals, and Luvuyo's friend's are robbers who encourage him to steal, they remain positive about their community and the feel it is important for people to see it in the same light they do.