Renowned Eastern Cape-born actor Lulama Masimini has been appointed the new artistic director of the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg.
The centre has been operating without a director for almost a year now.
Masithini, who has extensive experience in both theatre and television, was selected by the Steve Biko Foundation to oversee performing arts, a cinema and contribute to arts education.
Masimini, who calls Ginsberg home but has been based in Johannesburg over the span of his career, spoke about how much the appointment meant to him.
“This is a very special task for me because I have been involved in a lot of development work and it has always pained me to contribute to other provinces that already have established art institutions and not be able to do that for my hometown,” said Masimini, who will remembered for his roles in SABC1 dramas Tsha Tsha and Intsika.
He said that Eastern Cape artists always end up in Johannesburg or Cape Town because of the better resources available there.
“I want to start a trend where artists start moving back home. Yes there isn’t much happening in Ginsberg but the centre has become a beacon of hope but it cannot just be a building, we have to make as much use of it as possible. People here are consumers of art yet they do not benefit.”
He holds a degree in theatre making from the University of Cape Town.
“My passion is development and that is where I want to contribute. The advantage is that I’m both from here and have been a part of a lot of professional work.
“I have also done a lot of work with the foundation and the development of children’s theatre,” said Masimini.
He said acting would always be his first love but that now, “this is my calling”.
“Acting was always something easy to get into and it was a way to introduce myself, so I’ll never really stop acting.”
Obenewa Amponsah, the foundation’s director, said they felt that Masimini’s technical expertise as an artist, combined with his experience in youth development, would make him a great addition to their team.
“In addition to having extensive experience as an actor, Lulama is passionate about young people, community development and using innovative means to advance social justice – things that are at the core of our work at SBF,” said Amponsah.
Masimini’s first project will be a Valentine’s Day production by the centre’s Abelusi drama group, followed by dinner at the centre’s restaurant.
More information will be included in the Daily Dispatch’s gig guide. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Actor relishes new challenge
The centre has been operating without a director for almost a year now.
Masithini, who has extensive experience in both theatre and television, was selected by the Steve Biko Foundation to oversee performing arts, a cinema and contribute to arts education.
Masimini, who calls Ginsberg home but has been based in Johannesburg over the span of his career, spoke about how much the appointment meant to him.
“This is a very special task for me because I have been involved in a lot of development work and it has always pained me to contribute to other provinces that already have established art institutions and not be able to do that for my hometown,” said Masimini, who will remembered for his roles in SABC1 dramas Tsha Tsha and Intsika.
He said that Eastern Cape artists always end up in Johannesburg or Cape Town because of the better resources available there.
“I want to start a trend where artists start moving back home. Yes there isn’t much happening in Ginsberg but the centre has become a beacon of hope but it cannot just be a building, we have to make as much use of it as possible. People here are consumers of art yet they do not benefit.”
He holds a degree in theatre making from the University of Cape Town.
“My passion is development and that is where I want to contribute. The advantage is that I’m both from here and have been a part of a lot of professional work.
“I have also done a lot of work with the foundation and the development of children’s theatre,” said Masimini.
He said acting would always be his first love but that now, “this is my calling”.
“Acting was always something easy to get into and it was a way to introduce myself, so I’ll never really stop acting.”
Obenewa Amponsah, the foundation’s director, said they felt that Masimini’s technical expertise as an artist, combined with his experience in youth development, would make him a great addition to their team.
“In addition to having extensive experience as an actor, Lulama is passionate about young people, community development and using innovative means to advance social justice – things that are at the core of our work at SBF,” said Amponsah.
Masimini’s first project will be a Valentine’s Day production by the centre’s Abelusi drama group, followed by dinner at the centre’s restaurant.
More information will be included in the Daily Dispatch’s gig guide. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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