THEMBENI Joni is a recipient of several awards and nominations, including a Naledi Award through his Black Child Theatre Production, yet he still lives in a backroom shack.
He came to Kagiso on the West Rand in 2008 to pursue his dream as a theatre practitioner and stayed with friends until 2009 when he moved into a rented shack in Munsieville, Krugersdorp.
"Life is very difficult, there is no money in the industry. If it comes it will be after a long time and there are bills to be paid.
I am driven by passion, hope and dreams," he says.
His trophies occupy pride of place in the cramped space and serve as a reminder of his potential.
Joni, 29, says he takes life as it comes, but every day is a hustle.
He featured alongside Morgan Freeman in Invictus, and has also featured in Million Colours and Home Affairs, among other films.
Born in Dithakong Tsa Sehuba near Mmatlhonyane village in Mahikeng, Joni says his love for theatre started while he was a student in Mahikeng when he and his friends formed a theatre group.
"We knew little about theatre and there was a lack of interest from my peers. After matric I moved to Johannesburg and registered with Chameleon Agency."
He attended drama classes at Sibikwa Art Centre in Benoni.
Joni admits he almost gave up a few times because of lack of support.
"Lack of financial support is hampering the drive of an upcoming artist," he says. Joni established his production company in 2009.
The following year he took Sello Le Dipogiso to the Market Theatre Laboratory and to Sesonke Festival.
His next project, It's A Rap, won the best production the same month Sello Le Dipogiso won a Naledi Award.
It's A Rap has been turned into a film which they have just finished shooting in Munsieville, says Joni.
"The film was shot with one camera, zero budget with no lighting, catering and wardrobe.
"There is no support from the community, that is why we are taking our plays to other cities. It is my aim to bring back theatre in the township.
"The only time we received money from Mogale City municipality was R5000 after I pleaded with them to buy winter clothes for the cast participating at the Art Festival," he says.
mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Struggling for art - shack dweller rakes in awards
THEMBENI Joni is a recipient of several awards and nominations, including a Naledi Award through his Black Child Theatre Production, yet he still lives in a backroom shack.
He came to Kagiso on the West Rand in 2008 to pursue his dream as a theatre practitioner and stayed with friends until 2009 when he moved into a rented shack in Munsieville, Krugersdorp.
"Life is very difficult, there is no money in the industry. If it comes it will be after a long time and there are bills to be paid.
I am driven by passion, hope and dreams," he says.
His trophies occupy pride of place in the cramped space and serve as a reminder of his potential.
Joni, 29, says he takes life as it comes, but every day is a hustle.
He featured alongside Morgan Freeman in Invictus, and has also featured in Million Colours and Home Affairs, among other films.
Born in Dithakong Tsa Sehuba near Mmatlhonyane village in Mahikeng, Joni says his love for theatre started while he was a student in Mahikeng when he and his friends formed a theatre group.
"We knew little about theatre and there was a lack of interest from my peers. After matric I moved to Johannesburg and registered with Chameleon Agency."
He attended drama classes at Sibikwa Art Centre in Benoni.
Joni admits he almost gave up a few times because of lack of support.
"Lack of financial support is hampering the drive of an upcoming artist," he says. Joni established his production company in 2009.
The following year he took Sello Le Dipogiso to the Market Theatre Laboratory and to Sesonke Festival.
His next project, It's A Rap, won the best production the same month Sello Le Dipogiso won a Naledi Award.
It's A Rap has been turned into a film which they have just finished shooting in Munsieville, says Joni.
"The film was shot with one camera, zero budget with no lighting, catering and wardrobe.
"There is no support from the community, that is why we are taking our plays to other cities. It is my aim to bring back theatre in the township.
"The only time we received money from Mogale City municipality was R5000 after I pleaded with them to buy winter clothes for the cast participating at the Art Festival," he says.
mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos