![Thabiso Newman on stage with Siyabulela Marinana in the background. Thabiso Newman on stage with Siyabulela Marinana in the background.](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/thabiso_newman_on_stage_with_siyabulela_marinana_in_the_background.jpg)
A rural drama group from Knysna received widespread acclaim when it performed its award-winning play "Life After Hurt" at the Absa Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) in Oudtshoorn on 5 April 2014.
Playwright Thabiso Newman and director Siyabulela Marinana of the Ubumnandi Bethu group were able to perform at the festival with the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the Zabalaza Festival. They also acted in the production.
"Life After Hurt" was the overall winner of the Cape Winelands/ Eden Drama Festival at the Suidoosterfees in January this year. It deals with relationships by telling stories from Knysna's informal settlement – a love story with a twist. The piece found resonance with a wide audience.
Jane Moleleki of DCAS said the department is committed to developing local community-based drama in the Western Cape by providing opportunities to perform on the professional stage. "Performing at events like the KKNK enables emerging artists to be discovered, to develop their potential and to make their dreams come true".
Newman, who recently auditioned for a role in popular soap opera 7de Laan, says it was an amazing experience for Ubumnandi Bethu to perform at the KKNK. "We are grateful for the opportunities, which started at workshops hosted by the department last year. Performing is what we enjoy and we want to continue. This is one of the best opportunities our group has received to be exposed to a wider audience. What started as a drama play in a small community hall has developed into a performance on a professional stage at one of the country’s biggest festivals". Newman and Marinana said the group will continue to perform in communities and share experiences with others.
The festival was just another example of the commitment by DCAS and its partners to promote and develop local drama in rural communities in the Western Cape.
Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za