TV and stage director Ntshieng Mokgoro has overcome many industry odds to realise her dream of creating a platform for other women.
TV and stage director Ntshieng Mokgoro has overcome many industry odds to realise her dream of creating a platform for other women.
Mokgoro serves as director of the Women's Theatre Festival under way until Sunday at the Olive Tree Theatre in Alexandra.
The festival started in 2002 and offers film, theatre, dance, spoken word, a craft market and exhibitions.
The 41-year-old mother of three is pleased women have their own space to showcase their creativity.
Due to the competitive nature of getting a slot on the stages of mainstream theatre, many female directors end up left out.
And now that she has created the space for women, Mokgoro's focus has shifted to making the festival bigger.
For now it only features directors who have not yet cracked the mainstream.
"I have come this far because of passion for the art," Mokgoro says.
"Through the festival, I want to give female directors a chance to shine and showcase their works."
The 10-day festival boasts plays from as far afield as Mozambique, Bloemfontein and Durban.
Mokgoro reassures that the event is not for celebrities but for passionate women who want a chance.
Born in Alexandra, she started without any financial backing, but this year has the support of the department of arts and culture, the Gauteng Film Commission and Atlas Studios.
"I used to use my own money because I know the importance of the event. Many women are dying to get such an opportunity.
"When I look back it was a worthwhile gamble and I'd like to see it grow to become an international event."
The festival opened with her theatre piece Phases of Mirroh, about a young musician who grows up in a strict family where she is not allowed to follow her dream.
Mokgoro is a recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award and the Graham Lindop Theatre Award for the best young director.
Her successful productions include Umdlwembe, which won the Standard Bank best youth production for the 2008-2009 theatre season, and Veil of Tears, which was nominated for the 2006-2007 Naledi Awards.
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Festival brings the best out of women
TV and stage director Ntshieng Mokgoro has overcome many industry odds to realise her dream of creating a platform for other women.
TV and stage director Ntshieng Mokgoro has overcome many industry odds to realise her dream of creating a platform for other women.
Mokgoro serves as director of the Women's Theatre Festival under way until Sunday at the Olive Tree Theatre in Alexandra.
The festival started in 2002 and offers film, theatre, dance, spoken word, a craft market and exhibitions.
The 41-year-old mother of three is pleased women have their own space to showcase their creativity.
Due to the competitive nature of getting a slot on the stages of mainstream theatre, many female directors end up left out.
And now that she has created the space for women, Mokgoro's focus has shifted to making the festival bigger.
For now it only features directors who have not yet cracked the mainstream.
"I have come this far because of passion for the art," Mokgoro says.
"Through the festival, I want to give female directors a chance to shine and showcase their works."
The 10-day festival boasts plays from as far afield as Mozambique, Bloemfontein and Durban.
Mokgoro reassures that the event is not for celebrities but for passionate women who want a chance.
Born in Alexandra, she started without any financial backing, but this year has the support of the department of arts and culture, the Gauteng Film Commission and Atlas Studios.
"I used to use my own money because I know the importance of the event. Many women are dying to get such an opportunity.
"When I look back it was a worthwhile gamble and I'd like to see it grow to become an international event."
The festival opened with her theatre piece Phases of Mirroh, about a young musician who grows up in a strict family where she is not allowed to follow her dream.
Mokgoro is a recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award and the Graham Lindop Theatre Award for the best young director.
Her successful productions include Umdlwembe, which won the Standard Bank best youth production for the 2008-2009 theatre season, and Veil of Tears, which was nominated for the 2006-2007 Naledi Awards.
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
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