Director and writer Phala Oekeditse Phala wants to tell stories that speak to the people.
Having directed many classic plays including Nothing But The Truth by John Kani and You Fool, How Can the Sky Fall? by Zakes Mda, his dream is to tell timeless stories. "I don't stage shows just for the sake of it. I want to stage shows that get people talking and open their minds," he says.
His latest project, Egoli, is a play that was written by the late playwright and actor Matsemela Manaka in the 1970s. Currently being mentored by experienced director Makhaola Ndebele, Phala has proved that he is fascinated by old stories. He did a sterling job on Egoli, giving it a fresh meaning. His effort has been applauded by theatre critics, the original cast of Egoli as well as the Manaka family.
Egoli addresses poverty and exploitation of miners in SA. It was a two-hander, but the young director (who refuses to reveal his age) stretched it to seven characters.
"I decided to extend the show because I wanted everyone to relate to the show, even those who saw it in the 1970s. I wanted the story to speak to the space itself, and to the audience."
To make it work, Phala challenged the actors to come up with ideas. They spent a week workshoping, unpacking and analysing the text. "We dissected the story until we came up with a show. Before, women did not have a place in the old migrant labour system. But in the play, I added a voice of a woman to show that women have existed in the background."
The Botswana-born director decided to bring back the classic piece because he feels it was still relevant. He says Johannesburg has had mines since it was established 130 years ago. However, miners are still exploited even today.
Phala's interest in performing began at a young age. He acted in school plays and university productions. As one who always wanted to explore every aspect of performing arts, he decided to study acting, writing and directing.
Though he is regarded as an upcoming director, he has directed a number of good plays. His adaption of Franz Kafka's short story A Report To An Academy won the 2015 NAF Silver Ovation Award.
The play was chosen for the 2016 Amsterdam Fringe Festival. He has also directed Ungesabi - Metaphors of Border Crossing, and Mbeki and Other Nightmares. Phala holds a master's in dramatic arts from Wits.
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
Director on journey to keep past in the present
Director and writer Phala Oekeditse Phala wants to tell stories that speak to the people.
Having directed many classic plays including Nothing But The Truth by John Kani and You Fool, How Can the Sky Fall? by Zakes Mda, his dream is to tell timeless stories. "I don't stage shows just for the sake of it. I want to stage shows that get people talking and open their minds," he says.
His latest project, Egoli, is a play that was written by the late playwright and actor Matsemela Manaka in the 1970s. Currently being mentored by experienced director Makhaola Ndebele, Phala has proved that he is fascinated by old stories. He did a sterling job on Egoli, giving it a fresh meaning. His effort has been applauded by theatre critics, the original cast of Egoli as well as the Manaka family.
Egoli addresses poverty and exploitation of miners in SA. It was a two-hander, but the young director (who refuses to reveal his age) stretched it to seven characters.
"I decided to extend the show because I wanted everyone to relate to the show, even those who saw it in the 1970s. I wanted the story to speak to the space itself, and to the audience."
To make it work, Phala challenged the actors to come up with ideas. They spent a week workshoping, unpacking and analysing the text. "We dissected the story until we came up with a show. Before, women did not have a place in the old migrant labour system. But in the play, I added a voice of a woman to show that women have existed in the background."
The Botswana-born director decided to bring back the classic piece because he feels it was still relevant. He says Johannesburg has had mines since it was established 130 years ago. However, miners are still exploited even today.
Phala's interest in performing began at a young age. He acted in school plays and university productions. As one who always wanted to explore every aspect of performing arts, he decided to study acting, writing and directing.
Though he is regarded as an upcoming director, he has directed a number of good plays. His adaption of Franz Kafka's short story A Report To An Academy won the 2015 NAF Silver Ovation Award.
The play was chosen for the 2016 Amsterdam Fringe Festival. He has also directed Ungesabi - Metaphors of Border Crossing, and Mbeki and Other Nightmares. Phala holds a master's in dramatic arts from Wits.
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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