Journeys are in the very concept of a âShoât Leftâ and they are part of the very heartbeat of the NSAâs upcoming season of their Naledi nominated âShoât Left Broadwayâ at the Soweto Theatre. These journeys are collective and personal: journeys home, journeys back to old territories, and journeys to new places both emotional and geographical. These journeys have created a confluence of startling creative energies that course through this uniquely South African musical penned by talented Tshepo Ratona and using rich South African musical repertoire. The narrative line is a familiar NSA one; a story of dreams realized and vibrant stars finding their place to shine.
For Shoât Left Broadwayâs director and choreographer Lesego van Niekerk (Ramatlhare) who attended the NSA from 2003 to 2007 in the dance department, and vocal coach Ntambo Rapatla who matriculated in 1999 from the drama department, it is a return journey to the place that nurtured their gifts and encouraged their creative journeys so many years ago. They are both industry leaders and are committed to giving back.
âThe journey back to the NSA after 17 years â has felt almost supernatural â I am quite aware that it is not a coincidence,â reflects Lesego, âI believe there is something bigger at play. To come back to school to work on such meaningful work is a great privilege. This work shows how important and powerful it is to be creating new work, relevant work, work that makes sense for our young South Africans in our contextâ comments Lesego.
Ntambo Rapatla reminisces, âMy NSA journey took me through the years 1995 to 1999, and here I am returning, twenty-five years later. It is impossible to measure the impact that this institution had in my life. I am back to show my love and appreciation but also to acknowledge the importance of supporting my school for the generations to come. For me the NSA is more than just a school it is a collection of memories, it is a living, breathing entity that continues to shape young minds and nurture future leaders. It is a place where dreams are born, and potential is unlocked, where futures are written. It is also important for the alumni to give back generously, to volunteer willingly and advocate tirelessly. The school remains a beacon of excellence â I am so impressed by the learners in SHOâT LEFT. Returning to the NSA is really a full circle moment, I get to give back to the place that has given me so much.â
Ntambo Rapatla left the NSA at the end of 1999 and Lesego van Niekerk (Ramatlare) arrived in 2003, but despite not being at the school at the same time both feel the deeper connection as alums. âWe understand what it is to be a part of the NSA DNA. There is a deep love and respect for each another and this extends to all who have walked and journeyed through the corridors of this school,â adds Lesego âWe are passionate about the school and also concerned for the school, we need the alumni to come together, we need donors and benefactors, we need the corporate sector that talks of the value of the creative thinker â to hold hands with the NSA and ensure that the school can journey into a more prosperous futureâ pleads Lesego.
As “Sho’t Left Broadway” takes centre stage in a theatre that celebrates the father of South African theatre, Gibson Kente, it serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of NSA students, past and present and pays homage to the vibrant community that has nurtured countless talents over the years.
âDriving to the Soweto Theatre I drove through Meadowlands where I grew up and I too have a full circle moment in bringing âShoât Left Broadwayâ to the Soweto Theatre,â reflects Lesego.
Many of the NSA learners make the journey from Soweto to the NSA every day. It was 30 years ago when the original Art, Ballet, Drama and Music School amalgamated with Die Kruin Hoerskool to birth the National School of the Arts. And for the school to journey in its 30th Year to play at the Soweto Theatre in a year that celebrates 30 years of South Africaâs democracy makes the journey one of deep significance and meaning.
âWe welcome NSA to Soweto Theatre, to see young talent performing and translating such a meaningful message in preserving the arts industry is inspiring. To keep the arts alive for generations to come is our mission and supporting such productions,â says Vincent Motau, GM for Soweto Theatre.
“Performing at the Gibson Kente Theatre feels like a homecoming,” says Oratile Makhene who plays the leading role of Naledi in âShoât Left Broadwayâ – “It is an honour to share our story on this stage, and even more meaningful to represent the school that has given us so much. ”
âWe capture and reflect so much of the essence of the Soweto community in this musical and we highlight the transformative power of the arts. We tell a familiar story,â comments matric learner Rorisang Mashau.
Amahle Lesele is one of the musicians in the âShoât Left Broadwayâ band, â I am thrilled to bring our show to the iconic Soweto Theatre, a hub of creative expression and community spirit. This venue holds a special place in the heart of Sowetoâs rich history and cultural heritage, and I feel honoured to share our Shoât Left Broadway story with my home audience. By taking our show to Soweto Theatre, as the band and cast we aim to inspire and uplift the community, and celebrate the power of art to bring people together. â
As the curtains rise on this remarkable journey, the NSA calls upon alumni, supporters, and the wider community to rally behind its mission of preserving the arts and inspiring future generations. Together, we can ensure that the National School of the Arts continues to be a nurturing ground for creativity, excellence, and innovation.
It is time to take a âShoât Left to the NSAâs heart-warming musical âShoât Left Broadwayâ â this weekend at the Soweto Theatre, 17th â 19th May with performances at 11:00 and 19:00 on Friday the 17th, and at 16:00 and 19:00 on Saturday 18th, with the final performance on Sunday at 15:00. Bookings through WebTickets.
Through captivating performances and heartfelt storytelling, the production celebrates South African heritage while inspiring future generations to dream big and pursue their passions.
