Cohort: Trainees
Natasha Gana is a 28 years old actress from Cape Town from Nyanga East. She finished her matric in 2009 and went to New Africa Theatre Academy for 2 years and then came to Magnet Theatre as a trainee. While she was at New Africa, she performed around Cape Town with Thabo Mbeki and Other Nightmares and Bashed or be Bashed and has performed at the Zabalaza as a guest performer with Thabo Mbeki and other Nightmares. While at Magnet Theatre she has done various plays including UKHANYO by Thando Doni and THE CITY OF PARADISE by Mark Fleishman , was a third year trainee creating Paired and KUDU with Lwanda Sindaphi and 23 years, a month and seven days with Nwabisa Plaatjie. She is now an EPWP with Magnet Theatre.
After completing a Drama degree from the University of Cape Town, Nolan Africa (Cederberg Municipality Fieldworker) dabbled in theatre and television briefly before joining the Educational theatre world. First he taught drama at an arts and culture focus school. He then joined Artscape, first as a road show performer and facilitator for SoundTrack4Life. Later he directed and co-facilitated Dance for Life. He then joined the office staff in co-coordinating various education theatre projects. More recently he worked with Zakheni on school projects alongside a Drama Therapist which sparked an interest. In 2013, he completed an Honours degree in Drama Therapy through Drama for Life at the University of Witwatersrand.
Rozanne Holland was a Trainee Administrator Facilitator in the Cederberg Municipality for the Community Arts Project that Magnet Theatre runs in that area. She has worked for Magnet Theatre on the N7 schools project for 3 years. She is 23 years old and started working with Comnet (a local drama group established in Clanwilliam as a result of Magnet Theatre’s presence in the area) at the age of 8. She has taken part in the annual September Clanwilliam Arts project of Magnet Theatre in collaboration with UCT for 15 years. She has also been a trainee at Magnet Theatre in 2012. She currently works as an ad hoc facilitator on the Farm School Project and Redlinghuys.
Honey Mene was an Expanded Public Work Programme intern at the Magnet Theatre in the role as technical assistant. He attended Crossroad High School in Nyanga and in 2010 he joined iThemba labantu Centre in Philippi where he participated in the Magnet Theatre Culture Gangs programme and performed in the following plays: Umlomo Uyadala, Ingxaki Ezingxengwe Ngothando and Eyomsintsi. In 2014 he joined the organization called UKAO and performed in Blood Stain directed by Bulelani Mabutyana, and Push me pull u directed by Bulelani Mabutyane.
Maggi Fernando graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2014 with a Diploma in Theatre and Performance, majored in Theatre Making. She wrote,directed and performed ‘Happy Birthday to me’ for her final performance. She is also a graduate from Magnet Theatre full time training programme 2010‐2011. During her training at Magnet Theatre she performed in ‘Children and the Bees’ directed by Mark Fleishman,‘Amanazo’thando’ directed by Mandla Mbothwe and redirected by Faniswa Yisa and ‘Subliminal’ by Lean Hershler. She was an Expanded Public Work Project intern at Magnet Theatre 2015-2016.She recently wrote and directed ‘(un)locked?’ performed at the Obz Family Festival 2016. Currently she is a fieldworker for Magnet Theatre’s Culture Gangs. Her passion is working with children and is very involved with her community. Maggi is a Culture Gangs Facilitator in Mannenberg, Overcome Heights, Capricorn Park and Retreat.
Vuyokazi Ngemntu, An alchemist of word, conjure of song and miner o stories, my aim is to create work that blurs the line between the physical and the esoteric reahms. Indigenous knowledge system is a fascination which I explore with the hopes of making Art that inspires and heals the collective (African) psyche. She was a trainee and EPWP with Magnet Theatre 2017.
My name is Sivenathi Sibahle Macibela, I am 19 years old, from Khayelitsha. Strong, Brave, Ambitious, Out Spoken, Dreamer and a Believer.
I am Siphesande Mkokose from Blackheath. I am a Dreamer, I believe and take action, super talented and beautiful.
Asamkela Ketelo is a dynamic and accomplished professional actor and theatre maker with a passion for storytelling. A graduate of the University of Cape Town, he holds a degree in Theatre and Performance, specializing in Performance Making and Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Hailing from Makhaza in e-Khayelitsha, Ketelo ‘s journey in theatre began in his hometown. In 2014, Ketelo ‘s exceptional talent landed him a lead role in the critically acclaimed production “1976: The Diary of Maria,” directed by the renowned Brian Notcutt. This powerful production captivated audiences and was featured at the prestigious National Arts Festival, showcasing Ketelo ‘s ability to breathe life into characters and deliver captivating performances. To further enhance his skills and artistic development, Ketelo embarked on the Magnet Theatre Training Programme in 2017.
Under the expert guidance of esteemed mentors Jennie Reznek, Mandla Mbothwe, and Mark Fleishman, Ketelo honed his craft and expanded his repertoire, delving deeper into the art of theatre-making. Ketelo ‘s dedication, versatility, and commitment to his craft have earned him recognition as a talented and sought-after performer in the theatre industry. With a deep understanding of storytelling and a profound ability to connect with audiences, Ketelo continues to push boundaries, provoke thought, and evoke emotions through his compelling performances. Drawing on his personal experiences and diverse influences, Ketelo brings authenticity and depth to every role he takes on. His passion for creating meaningful and impactful theatre experiences shines through in his work, leaving a lasting impression on both audiences and fellow artists. Asamkela Ketelo’s artistic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, an unwavering commitment to his craft, and a profound dedication to sharing stories that resonate with the human experience. With each performance, Ketelo invites audiences into a world where emotions run deep, sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impression.