LANGUAGE became a huge obstacle for the actors who tried out for several roles in the popular SABC drama Muvhango in Newtown, Johannesburg, at the weekend.

Queues stretched around the block from The Bassline, a music venue, where eager youngsters auditioned for four roles - two for Venda-speaking boys and the other two for Zulu and Sotho-speaking teenagers.

More than 50 young boys tried out for the roles of Mulondo and Muvhango using English scripts but are expected to be fluent in Venda.

While six-year-old Phidiso Thulare impressed the selectors with his confidence and playfulness, he could not even command a call-back as his Venda was not up to scratch.

More than half of the hopefuls fell by the wayside when they were asked to try out in Venda. This is when promising eight-year-old Tebogo Mphelo stepped in and had the producers clapping appreciatively after an impressive impromptu performance with actress Mulalo Mudau, who plays the feisty Tshianeo in Muvhango .

But, Mphelo's chance at landing a role was short-lived after the judges debated his vague Venda speech.

"We previously had auditions last year for the roles and had better performances because the boys were from Venda," director Uvelile Bangani said.

"As sons of the chief of Venda, the boys need to speak proper Venda to stand a chance. While the most promising candidates were found in Venda, there are disadvantages with taking a young actor from there in terms of transport," he said.

Zwivhuya Mudau got the judges' nod of approval with his fluent Venda and great persona, which earned him a possible call-back. The older boys tackled the role of Vusi Mukwevho who, because his parents are multilingual, has to use Zulu, Sotho and Venda monologues.

Sotho-speaking Mduduzi Hlatswayo, 21, seemed to shine. Among the older girls, Setswana-speaking Mathapelo Villozho did well with her natural looks and talent.