Ntombi Makhutshi | Megan's Head

love it when a plan comes together

On May 4, 2012

In Cape Town, inspiration, me on stage, theatre stuff, writing

I am on such a high. I have just come back from the first read through of Song and Dance, my brand new play that is one of four that was chosen for the PANSA staged readings here, in the comedy category, in Cape Town. I was quite nervous to hear it for the first time.

I have taken quite a few risks; with the characters, the set-up, the language and even the style of the piece. My biggest fear was that I was the only one who found it funny. Writing comedy is a whole ‘nother ball game. But, I literally had tears streaming down my face all the way through the first reading. It was totally hilarious.

The amazing director, Ntombi Makhutshi gets my humour completely, and she cast the piece with her first choices, who were all, magically, available. They are in no particular order, the gorgeous Zondwa Njokweni, the hilarious Deon Nebulane and the hugely talented and funny Anele Situlweni.

I am a control freak. I like to do everything myself, and to know about every last thing. But this feels totally different. I left that rehearsal space delighted, excited and trusting that this unbelievable team are going to have the best time, and come up with something wonderful.

The four play readings will take place on the 18th and 19th of Â May at The Magnet Theatre in Obz. Tickets to the plays are R30 and I am pretty sure there are going to be some fun things. Come check it out.

Revisiting my fab Industrial Theatre job

By megan

On April 4, 2012

In Cape Town, inspiration, theatre stuff, world of work

Aside from the fact that I am deeply thankful for the return work of my long-term client (I have been making industrial theatre plays for them for seven years now) I also love it. We are into our second week of rehearsals, and this time around it’s a full-on musical. I know. I know. Completely silly, crazy and foolhardy. A thirty five minute, five-hander musical with a message. But I have an amazing cast; repeat offenders Ntombi Makhutshi, Larissa Hughes and Daneel van der Walt, and newbies Richard Tafane and Aphiwe Menziwa. They are a magical, creative and delicious team.

We had our first client viewing today; scripts in hand and gaps in places, and still, the cast were power, and blew the client away.

I know that a lot of actors see industrial theatre as a necessary evil; a chance to pay the bills, but for me it is a chance to take the target audience into consideration right at the outset, and then to go about making them something that they will love. The details are taken care of, and all we have to do is make a beautiful, entertaining, clearly messaged show. Isn’t that what every writer, director and performer wants? When it’s made my cast go around the country, performing to huge audiences who go completely crazy for them.

This time around I have to thank Trevor du Buisson for making the most amazing backing tracks, and Fiona du Plooy for awesome, hilarious and wonderful choreography. I can feel it. This one is a winner.

Featured Actor 4

By megan

On December 13, 2010

In Cape Town, me on stage, theatre stuff

Ntombi Makhutshi. Yo, I love that lady! Ntombi chose to do my industrial theatre project even though it clashed with something else she was booked to do, partly because I begged her so hard. When I saw Ntombi in London Road I couldn’t wait for the chance to work with her one day and then, boom, she was Energina, with huge energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment; carrying a whole 40 minute production on her shoulders. She was fantastic.

In Good Will Acting Ntombi blows me away. Her character is so huge and funny and no holds barred that I think she freaks people out! And I don’t just mean the fellow characters in the play. She makes me laugh so much with just a look, or in this case a click of her tongue.

She is a dream actress to work with; attentive, dedicated, warm, passionate and so, so talented. I don’t have to say watch this lady. You won’t be able to help yourself.

Tough day at the office, then happiness

By megan

On December 4, 2010

In Cape Town, deeply personal, theatre stuff

I cannot lie; making theatre, especially when you have no budget, is really, really hard. When you are the director you feel responsible for each person involved since people are working on spec and others are doing you huge, huge favours.

The truth is that we had to cancel our first preview of Good Will Acting on Thursday night because we had no audience. Last night, our second preview had a robust but tiny audience. Because I am doing the sound and lights for the show (I always end upÂ doing sound and lights even though I am terrible at it!) I am the moegoe who hangs about, waiting for an audience to come! It is not a good thing to do. In Kalk Bay you can see so many people doing stuff. Holiday makers are coming off the beach, young girls walk along the street window shopping, people are at restaurants and cafes. I wanted to drag everyone I saw up the stairs of the theatre and force them to watch the show. Very frustrating.

But by the time the show ended last night and the twelve people in the audience were in raptures, I knew that it was going to be worth it. They loved it. Big time. And I loved them. Tonight is the official opening night. I so hope that word starts spreading.

Shameless Product Placement

By megan

On November 8, 2010

In Cape Town, inspiration, just funny stuff, theatre stuff

Here is a copy of a press release I am busy putting out.

Shameless Product Placement opportunity In Good Will Acting

Good Will Acting is a Christmas show being put on at The Kalk Bay Theatre from the 4^th to the 31 December, running from Wednesdays to Saturdays (not including Christmas day). It stars Anele Situlweni, Daneel van der Walt, Larissa Hughes and Ntombi Makhutshi and is directed by Megan Choritz, with lots of advice, help and instruction from Helen Cooper.

The story of how Good Will Acting came about is amazing. A group of actors were contracted to perform an industrial theatre road show and they fell in love with each other (and their director). The director (me, Megan Choritz) made the cast an offer they couldnâ€™t refuse; the chance to workshop, create and perform in a Christmas show, with no budget, no script, no venue, no set or costumes, only good ideas and plenty of enthusiasm. Four out of the five cast members agreed! (The fifth had other gigs and paying performances, we were told.)

Suddenly, the universe provided and a previously booked slot at The Kalk Bay Theatre became available. What had been a whimsical fantasy became a bold and terrifying reality.

We are on page 9 of writing the script. It is hilarious. It is going to be an Activity play, because Ras the Rasta says Nativity is too negative. Libertina X doesnâ€™t give a shit what itâ€™s called as long as her honours in theatre making skills are shown off in such a way that it guarantees proper theatre work soon. Tabatha is fully alive to the process of acting; LRA, Listen, Respond, Act, and Marlene just wants to do anything that will help her not go and waitress at the Apache Spur in Strand Street. The choreography, songs and most of the story of the birth of Christ will be borrowed from other productions and stolen from other creative sources.

As much of the industrial theatre set and props as is possible will be re-purposed for Good Will Acting but we do need some money, to maybe make a poster and flyers, or to cover transport costs and things. Which is where you come into the picture. We are offering Shameless Product Placement in the show, regardless of the product, its uses or its target market. Let Good Will Acting advertise for you, whoever you are. Do you want to sell hand-made Christmas gifts? Are you the marketing manager for Red Bull? Does Vodacom need a bit of a plug? We are literally selling four Shameless Product Placement slots in the show. Your product or service will be mentioned every night for the duration of the run for the ridiculous price of R1000. *Special discounts will be given for products that are red, white, and/or blue (blue is the new green this Christmas, because those are the corporate colours from the Industrial theatre job).

Weâ€™d love to include you in Good Will Acting. And you can help us make it happen. Call, sms, facebook, email or even twitter me. Or leave a message for me here on megan’s head. *I forgot to mention that small donations for mentions on our (still imaginary) programme will be gratefully received.

Rehearsals

By megan

On September 28, 2010

In Cape Town, theatre stuff, world of work

I am loving it. We are into our second week of rehearsals for an industrial theatre project and I am totally in my element. I am in love with each and every member of my cast, Ntombi Makhutshi, Anele Situlweni, Larissa Hughes, Keeno-Lee Hector and Daneel van der Walt. Not are they only amazing performers in and of themselves, they are also brilliant team players and work most wonderfully as a group. They make me feel blessed, and they give me the best kind of creative energy and inspiration.

The super talented Fiona du Plooy came in to rehearsals today to teach the cast some moves for the final song. Yo! She was great, and the cast already look brilliant and hilarious. Then Trevor du Buisson dropped by. He brought the backing track that he made for a very funny rewrite of I Believe I Can Fly; I Believe I Can Drive. It is fantastic! Nothing like pulling in my brilliantly creative connections to do the job.

Tomorrow we do a photo shoot in the morning and rehearse in the afternoon, and then on Thursday we have our first client viewing. I can’t wait for them to see what we’ve been up to. Life is good.

Megan's Head

A place where Megan gets off her head.

Tag: Ntombi Makhutshi (Page 2 of 2)

love it when a plan comes together

Revisiting my fab Industrial Theatre job

Featured Actor 4

Tough day at the office, then happiness

Shameless Product Placement

Rehearsals

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