By Masilo Malakwane
QWAQWA – Veteran actor, script writer and prostate cancer survivor Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha’s tour – which entails performing, mentoring and directing up and coming talents across four provinces – is in full swing.
In collaboration with the Free State’s Thabo Mofutsanyana district, Mofokeng kick-started the tour by hosting a directing workshop last week Friday at Tshiya Resource Centre where he met and trained young people from the district’s six local municipalities, who are interested in theatre and becoming film directors one day.
The workshop was followed by the Black-Tie performance where he treated gala dinner attendees with his Mzansi’s Most Golden Economy project play, featuring Jane Mpholo and Maleshwane Mphutlane.
Mofokeng, who is best known for his work slam screen productions such as ‘Nna Sajene Kokobela’, Cry the Beloved Country, Lord of War, told The Guard that the ‘Island Legacy Tour 2022′ concept is “a classic text that comes from the giants and pioneers in the country’s theatre such as John Kani, Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona”.
He said the Island Legacy was conceived way back in the early 1970s not only to convey political stories but also focus on humanitarian issues.
Meanwhile, acting municipal manager Selby Lengwabala, said the district municipality is committed to improving the arts, culture and recreation sector as it has a real potential to create jobs that are much-needed for economic growth.
“The first thing that we are going to do now is to work with organizations that promote arts and culture, to unearth and develop new talents in theatre,” Lengwabala said.
A representative of the Student Council for Arts and Culture at the University of the Free State’s QwaQwa Campus, Lethukuthula Nsibande said: “my presence here today will help broaden my horizons in arts and culture; this will motivate students who are keen on the creative arts.”
Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha is currently appearing in eTV’s most popular soapie ‘Scandal’, where he portrays the character of Neo Mokhethi. His primary acting accolades for include the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award – 2013 and The African Film Festival’s (TAFF) African Film Legend Award – 2018.
