East London-born playwright, actor and director Mbasa Tsetsana made his television debut as a professional actor on the e.tv miniseries The Alliance on Wednesday.
The Selborne College matriculant and Wits University dramatic arts graduate first drew favourable attention when he and a friend co-wrote, cast and directed their own play based on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood in 2005.
It was staged at the East London Arts Theatre.
In 2009, the Daily Dispatch featured Tsetsana again when he produced a film titled Changes, one of three short films produced by high school pupils from East London that were screened on SABC TV.
The production formed part of the television series Nab’Ubomi 2008 (This is Life), an interschool competition that introduces young people to film and television production.
The Dispatch also reported on a play Tsetsana had written that same year to raise funds for baby Zaahid Obaray, who had muscular dystrophy, after the family made a plea for assistance with medical bills.
Speaking to the Dispatch yesterday, Tsetsana said the eight-episode e.tv miniseries was uniquely South African with an international twist.
The story follows the life of popular crime kingpin Bra Jay, also known as the Reserve Bank Governor of Soweto, who has a thirst for power and rules those around him with an iron fist.
“I play Mxolisi, who is employed by one of the main characters and I would describe him as this cool and calm shape shifter, but he cannot really be defined without giving the story away,” Tsetsana said.
“I really like the mystery around this character – he’s so textured and no one can really predict what he will do next.
“I’m only on for four more episodes, so people need to watch and see what unfolds.”
Tsetsana said he had been working with a star-studded cast that included the likes of Robert Hobbs of Safe House, Invictus and District 9 fame as well as former Generations star Sonia Mbele.
Tsetsane believes this new role will cement his brand in the industry as a multi-talent.
“I try to do everything – act, direct and write where I can.
“I haven’t acted in a while and I am so excited that people will finally see that side of me.
“ I believe this exposure will give that added edge,” he said.
Tsetsana, who is based in Johannesburg, said he would be back in East London when his award-winning stage production, Waiting for Nelson, makes its debut at the East London Arts Festival. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
EL-born actor makes TV debut on ‘The Alliance’
The Selborne College matriculant and Wits University dramatic arts graduate first drew favourable attention when he and a friend co-wrote, cast and directed their own play based on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood in 2005.
It was staged at the East London Arts Theatre.
In 2009, the Daily Dispatch featured Tsetsana again when he produced a film titled Changes, one of three short films produced by high school pupils from East London that were screened on SABC TV.
The production formed part of the television series Nab’Ubomi 2008 (This is Life), an interschool competition that introduces young people to film and television production.
The Dispatch also reported on a play Tsetsana had written that same year to raise funds for baby Zaahid Obaray, who had muscular dystrophy, after the family made a plea for assistance with medical bills.
Speaking to the Dispatch yesterday, Tsetsana said the eight-episode e.tv miniseries was uniquely South African with an international twist.
The story follows the life of popular crime kingpin Bra Jay, also known as the Reserve Bank Governor of Soweto, who has a thirst for power and rules those around him with an iron fist.
“I play Mxolisi, who is employed by one of the main characters and I would describe him as this cool and calm shape shifter, but he cannot really be defined without giving the story away,” Tsetsana said.
“I really like the mystery around this character – he’s so textured and no one can really predict what he will do next.
“I’m only on for four more episodes, so people need to watch and see what unfolds.”
Tsetsana said he had been working with a star-studded cast that included the likes of Robert Hobbs of Safe House, Invictus and District 9 fame as well as former Generations star Sonia Mbele.
Tsetsane believes this new role will cement his brand in the industry as a multi-talent.
“I try to do everything – act, direct and write where I can.
“I haven’t acted in a while and I am so excited that people will finally see that side of me.
“ I believe this exposure will give that added edge,” he said.
Tsetsana, who is based in Johannesburg, said he would be back in East London when his award-winning stage production, Waiting for Nelson, makes its debut at the East London Arts Festival. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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