joelsgreenroom

Photography by Tosin Awosusi.

Keitumetse

Directed by Joel Leonard.

Performed by Kutloano Headbush & Hannah Van Tonder.

Designed by Peaceful Thulare.

Videography & Editing by Cody Van Wyk.

My Body My Space Whatsapp Festival.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Programme.

Produced by Sketch Productions and My Body My Space Public Arts Festival.

29 January - 31st May 2021.

Johannesburg, South Africa.

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-preview-my-body-my-space-public-arts-festival-2021/

https://www.inyourpocket.com/johannesburg/my-body-my-space-public-arts-festival_26161e

Keitumetse

Directed by Joel Leonard. 

Performed by Kutloano Headbush & Hannah Van Tonder.

Designed by Peaceful Thulare. 

Videography & Editing by Cody Van Wyk.

My Body My Space Whatsapp Festival. 

Central Nervous System (CNS) Programme. 

Produced by Sketch Productions and My Body My Space Public Arts Festival. 

29 January - 31st May 2021. 

This production was one of the smoothest, most innovative and a true gem of theatrical genius. Thank you Dintshitile. You are a magnificent director, and I learned a great deal from you during this process. You are one of my favourite humans, in the history of humanity, and you made the last show we ever did, an incredible one. Sboniso, Wonder, Mosehlana, Upile, Yogin, you were the best collaborators this show could have ever asked for. Thank you. I get so sentimental when reflecting on my time with Kwasha and The Empire Builders. I hope this isn’t the end of our time together my friends. I hope and pray we get another great opportunity to do what we do best.

The Empire Builders.

Written by Boris Vian.

Directed by Dintshitile Mashile.

Musical Composition & Editing by Yogin Sullaphen.

Joel Leonard as Father.

Sboniso Thombeni as Mother.

Upile uThixo Bongco as Zenobia.

Mosehlana Mamaregane as Mug.

Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu as Neighbour/Schmurz.

Photography by  Oscar Gutierrez.

Dialogue Coaches: Karina Lemmer and Mpho Malesa

Production and Company Manager: Rudy Motseatsea

Stage Managers: Lebeisa Molapo and Tiisetso Mawane-Madzhie

In Collaboration with the Market Laboratory, Institut Francais South Africa, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company.

Johannesburg, South Africa

3rd February - 10th March 2021

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-interview-dintshitile-mashile-talks-about-directing-the-empire-builders-sa-2021/

https://www.theafricantheatremagazine.com/the-empire-builders-a-bold-experiment-in-alternative-theatre/

https://creativefeel.co.za/2021/02/the-empire-builders-goes-sonic-with-kwasha-theatre-company/

The Empire Builders.

Written by Boris Vian.

Directed by Dintshitile Mashile.

Musical Composition & Editing by Yogin Sullaphen.

Joel Leonard as Father.

Sboniso Thombeni as Mother.

Upile uThixo Bongco as Zenobia.

Mosehlana Mamaregane as Mug.

Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu as Neighbour/Schmurz.

Photography by  Oscar Gutierrez.

Dialogue Coaches: Karina Lemmer and Mpho Malesa.

Production and Company Manager: Rudy Motseatsea.

Stage Managers: Lebeisa Molapo and Tiisetso Mawane-Madzhie.

In Collaboration with the Market Laboratory, Institut Francais South Africa, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company.

Johannesburg, South Africa.

3rd February - 10th March 2021

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-interview-dintshitile-mashile-talks-about-directing-the-empire-builders-sa-2021/

https://www.theafricantheatremagazine.com/the-empire-builders-a-bold-experiment-in-alternative-theatre/

https://creativefeel.co.za/2021/02/the-empire-builders-goes-sonic-with-kwasha-theatre-company/

The Empire Builders.

Written by Boris Vian.

Directed by Dintshitile Mashile.

Musical Composition & Editing by Yogin Sullaphen.

Joel Leonard as Father.

Sboniso Thombeni as Mother.

Upile uThixo Bongco as Zenobia.

Mosehlana Mamaregane as Mug.

Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu as Neighbour/Schmurz.

Photography by  Oscar Gutierrez.

Dialogue Coaches: Karina Lemmer and Mpho Malesa

Production and Company Manager: Rudy Motseatsea

Stage Managers: Lebeisa Molapo and Tiisetso Mawane-Madzhie

In Collaboration with the Market Laboratory, Institut Francais South Africa, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company.

Johannesburg, South Africa

3rd February - 10th March 2021

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-interview-dintshitile-mashile-talks-about-directing-the-empire-builders-sa-2021/

https://www.theafricantheatremagazine.com/the-empire-builders-a-bold-experiment-in-alternative-theatre/

https://creativefeel.co.za/2021/02/the-empire-builders-goes-sonic-with-kwasha-theatre-company/

The Empire Builders.

Written by Boris Vian.

Directed by Dintshitile Mashile.

Musical Composition & Editing by Yogin Sullaphen.

Joel Leonard as Father.

Sboniso Thombeni as Mother.

Upile uThixo Bongco as Zenobia.

Mosehlana Mamaregane as Mug.

Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu as Neighbour/Schmurz.

Photography by  Oscar Gutierrez.

Dialogue Coaches: Karina Lemmer and Mpho Malesa

Production and Company Manager: Rudy Motseatsea

Stage Managers: Lebeisa Molapo and Tiisetso Mawane-Madzhie

In Collaboration with the Market Laboratory, Institut Francais South Africa, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company.

Johannesburg, South Africa

3rd February - 10th March 2021

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-interview-dintshitile-mashile-talks-about-directing-the-empire-builders-sa-2021/

https://www.theafricantheatremagazine.com/the-empire-builders-a-bold-experiment-in-alternative-theatre/

https://creativefeel.co.za/2021/02/the-empire-builders-goes-sonic-with-kwasha-theatre-company/

The Empire Builders.

Written by Boris Vian.

Directed by Dintshitile Mashile.

Musical Composition & Editing by Yogin Sullaphen.

Joel Leonard as Father.

Sboniso Thombeni as Mother.

Upile uThixo Bongco as Zenobia.

Mosehlana Mamaregane as Mug.

Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu as Neighbour/Schmurz.

Photography by  Oscar Gutierrez.

Dialogue Coaches: Karina Lemmer and Mpho Malesa

Production and Company Manager: Rudy Motseatsea

Stage Managers: Lebeisa Molapo and Tiisetso Mawane-Madzhie

In Collaboration with the Market Laboratory, Institut Francais South Africa, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company.

Johannesburg, South Africa

3rd February - 10th March 2021

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-interview-dintshitile-mashile-talks-about-directing-the-empire-builders-sa-2021/

https://www.theafricantheatremagazine.com/the-empire-builders-a-bold-experiment-in-alternative-theatre/

https://creativefeel.co.za/2021/02/the-empire-builders-goes-sonic-with-kwasha-theatre-company/

The Empire Builders. 

Written by Boris Vian.

Directed by Dintshitile Mashile. 

Musical Composition & Editing by Yogin Sullaphen.

Joel Leonard as Father. 

Sboniso Thombeni as Mother. 

Upile uThixo Bongco as Zenobia.

Mosehlana Mamaregane as Mug. 

Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu as Neighbour/Schmurz.

Photography by  Oscar Gutierrez.

Dialogue Coaches: Karina Lemmer and Mpho Malesa

Production and Company Manager: Rudy Motseatsea

Stage Managers: Lebeisa Molapo and Tiisetso Mawane-Madzhie

In Collaboration with the Market Laboratory, Institut Francais South Africa, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company.

Johannesburg, South Africa

3rd February - 10th March 2021

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/theatre-interview-dintshitile-mashile-talks-about-directing-the-empire-builders-sa-2021/

https://www.theafricantheatremagazine.com/the-empire-builders-a-bold-experiment-in-alternative-theatre/

https://creativefeel.co.za/2021/02/the-empire-builders-goes-sonic-with-kwasha-theatre-company/

Peeling Shadows

Directed by Joel Leonard

Mentored by Sinenhlanhla Prince Mgeyi

Devised & Performed by Kwasha! Theatre Company

Music Designed & Composed by Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Dramaturgy by Upile uThixo Bongco

Produced by Mosehlana Mamaregane & Rudy Motseatsea

Lighting Design by Sbusiso Ndumndum

Photography by Hoek Swarathle 

Sound Technical Assistance by Phila Zwide 

Poster Design by Ryan Lloyd & Joel Leonard

Ramolao Makhene Theatre

Produced by the Market Theatre Laboratory, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company

Peeling Shadows

Directed by Joel Leonard

Mentored by Sinenhlanhla Prince Mgeyi

Devised & Performed by Kwasha! Theatre Company

Music Designed & Composed by Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Dramaturgy by Upile uThixo Bongco

Produced by Mosehlana Mamaregane & Rudy Motseatsea

Lighting Design by Sbusiso Ndumndum

Photography by Hoek Swarathle 

Sound Technical Assistance by Phila Zwide 

Ramolao Makhene Theatre

Produced by the Market Theatre Laboratory, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company

Peeling Shadows

Directed by Joel Leonard

Mentored by Sinenhlanhla Prince Mgeyi

Devised & Performed by Kwasha! Theatre Company

Music Designed & Composed by Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Dramaturgy by Upile uThixo Bongco

Produced by Mosehlana Mamaregane & Rudy Motseatsea

Lighting Design by Sbusiso Ndumndum

Photography by Hoek Swarathle 

Sound Technical Assistance by Phila Zwide 

Ramolao Makhene Theatre

Produced by the Market Theatre Laboratory, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company

...Oh my. Peeling Shadows. The best show I’ve ever been apart of. If I don’t stage this show in the coming years, shoot me, right between the eyes, cause I’ve lost my mind!!! This show was a gift, from God, because He gave me an incredible team, allowed me to stage it in Level 3 Lockdown, and allowed me to have the best Mentor offer his services to us, Sinenhlanhla Prince Mgeyi, a Kwasha ancestor from the Heavens. 

This show has been on my mind every day since we staged it... It’s got a hold on me and it won’t let me go. If I could stage this show every year, I would. That’s just how much I love it. And honestly, it unlocked a deep love for theatre that I hadn’t felt since High School. This play was based on my favourite play, Manolibera. Manolibera was an Italian play I had the priviledge to watch in 2012 when I went to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown. Manolibera changed my life that night, two hours of pure theatrical bliss. I’ll never forget how everyone around me fell asleep, but fifteen year old Joel was glued to the performers on stage. I can still hear Penelope scream “Hercule!” 

So, when I decided to direct this show, I knew I had to do what Manolibera did, but with the current team I have, I had to take it even further and allow these beautiful gifts disguised as humans to show themselves to the story and after that, my job was pure bliss. My directing debut was an absolute hit and I have them to thank every day. Mosehlana, Wonder, Upile, Dintshitile, Sboniso, Sinenhlanhla, Rudy, Clara, Sbusiso, Phila, Daniel, from the deepest caverns of my chest, where my heart lies, thank you. A million times. Thank you.  Peeling Shadows

Directed by Joel Leonard

Mentored by Sinenhlanhla Prince Mgeyi

Devised & Performed by Kwasha! Theatre Company

Music Designed & Composed by Wonder Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Dramaturgy by Upile uThixo Bongco

Produced by Mosehlana Mamaregane & Rudy Motseatsea

Lighting Design by Sbusiso Ndumndum

Photography by Hoek Swarathle 

Sound Technical Assistance by Phila Zwide 

Ramolao Makhene Theatre

Produced by the Market Theatre Laboratory, Windybrow Arts Centre & Kwasha! Theatre Company

My second award winning production, and first digital play to win an award! In November 2020 The Art of Facing Fear was a finalist in the Good The@ter Festival, a festival dedicated to digital theatre and providing access to all theatregoers across the globe. And fortunately, we won two awards for our efforts, for Best Production & Best Ensemble. Honoured and proud!

This was a doubly awesome experience as we got to collaborate with the original Brazilian cast of The Art of Facing Fear, which really added an entirely new feel to the show and kept us all on our toes performance wise. Many thanks to them!

https://www.theredcurtaininternational.org/festival?fbclid=IwAR1zYixciihQB6ZnCy3qRltk3T3cAntKP-a5ySmFAEAS-UxTlsDMsCyd72A

https://www.theredcurtaininternational.org/shows?lang=de&fbclid=IwAR32ex9jncWb76unihrRzZ0215a0PkwOqH07JIDfE14W4F0uEj91OF1W03Q

The Art of Facing Fear

Directed by Rodolfo Garcia Vazquez

Written by Ivam Cabral & Rodolfo Garcia Vazquez

Performed by Katta Palsson, Ulrika Malmgren, Sabrina De Nobile, Diego Ribeiro, Mariana Franca, Frank Malaba, Henrique Mello, Christina Dawson, Bola Stephen-Atitebi, Joao Branco, Ivam Cabral, Nina Ernst, Philisiwe Twijnstra, Segun Adefila, Isabel Alves Branco, Janaina Alves, Wonder Ndlovu, Joel Leonard, Mosehlana Mamaregane, Upile uThixo Bongco, Sboniso Thombeni, Dintshitile Mashile, Gustavo Ferreira

Produced by Darling Desperados, Os Satryos, Crowne Troupe of Africa, Village Gossip Productions, Tell-A-Tale Productions, ODDMANOUT Theatre Company, Kwasha! Theatre Company, Market Laboratory, Cie Kaddu

Producing/Marketing by Janna Julian

Designed by Henrique Mello, Adriana Vaz, Rogerio Romualdo

Photography by Andre Stefano

Sound by Leo Pegozzi

21st November 2020 - 22nd November 2020

England, Brazil, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Cape Verde, Zimbabwe, Sweden, Germany, India

Europe, Africa, Asia & South America

The Red Curtain International 

Good The@ter Festival 

Performed for an audience in Kolkata, India