1 Yard, 7 Shacks
Theatre / Centenary Hall

In this production, Paul Noko Maja zooms into South African Kwaito and hip hop culture using theatre performance as a vehicle.

This one hour kwai-hip-hop theatre performance piece uses Isicamtho as an overriding linguistic and cultural influence.

The story focuses on five female friends Paulina, Matlakala, Thembi, Mpintshi, and Busisiwe. These five young women dream of escaping poverty and crime through music. How does music became a source of hope and inspiration?  Crucial to this story is their friendship which forms part of their support structure, and which adds an extra layer of depth.

As the girls face new challenges and obstacles, they must navigate their relationships with each other, which can be just as complex as the world around them.

Production Credits

Writer & Director: Paul Noko
Assistant director: Hanna van Tonder 
Music by Mogale Mofokeng & Rykie van den Berg
Sound design by Paul Noko
Set design by Anderson Borroso & Lindani Nxumalo
Costume design by Talifhani Mulaudza
Lighting design by Hannah van Tonder
Stage manager by Khanyisile Mangokwana
Special Thanks to Thabo Flo Mokale & Nomonde Sky Mlothswa.

Performed by

Ncamisa Nqana 
Londiwe Martiens
Sivuyisiwe Silinga 
Tshegofatso Mashuga
Tirelo Princess Makgale

About the Artists

Paul Noko Maja is an award-winning play writer, director, dramaturge, theatre researcher, and sessional lecturer. He received his education at the University of Witwatersrand. He has a Master’s degree in applied drama and theatre in education, social and community building and process drama through therapeutic techniques. He holds a BA honors degree in cultural policy making and indigenous theatre in education for actors and non-actors. Paul Noko did the theory of Practice as Research (PAR) at the Norway University of Science and Technology (2019).

He was nominated for Flue di cap for best director of a play in 2016 for his work Fruit.  Fruit was nominated twice for the Naledi theatre awards for best community production in 2010/11. The work was then published under the Baxter Theatre Junkets. In 2016 Fruit won a Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival.

He was a cast member in Tau by Thabiso Rammala & Momo Matsonyane, The Story of the African Choir by Jane Collins, Storms and Valleys by Mncedisi Tshabangu, Chelahaebolae by Kgafela OaMakgokgodi, and Echoes by Vice Motsabi. In 2022 he was a Naledi Award winner for best sound design for Metsi by Hannah van Tonder. He co-wrote the cursed vagina, Metsi, and Coin with Hannah van Tonder, and co-directed Kwaito in Slaghuis.  

 

Hannah van Tonder waMaja is the co-owner of Sketch Productions, a Masters graduate in Critical Diversity Studies and is currently studying art in quantum technologies. Her debut theatre production, 'Metsi' was nominated 7 times for the Naledi Theatre Awards in 2022, and won best orginal sound design by Paul Noko and best director by Hannah van Tonder. Metsi has been part of the Camagu Indigenous Theatre and Dance Festival in the Free State in 2023.

Hannah van Tonder has actively been part of social events such as the SoCreative Summit and the BYO Punk fashion instillation at the Kalashnikov Gallery in Johannesburg (2022). In that same year, van Tonder and her company were awarded a global impact fund by the Global Water Dances International (GWD) to be part an international curriculum focused on issues central to water politics (2022). From 2022 to 2023 Hannah was afforded the platform to curate and roll out a "facilitation curriculum" for various organisations such as Rivonia Circle Political Research hub. Currently Hannah is part of General Electric Next Engineers psychosocial facilitation team who train future engineers to help advance their careers.   

 

Khanyisa Mangokwana is the Stage manager for 1 Yard, 7 Shacks and has graduated in stage and screen performance at AFDA. She is currently teaching Drama to the youth of Waverley. Not only is she passionate about theatre, she has also presented the SABC 1 TV show, Teenagers On A Mission. She’s currently in the process of directing a high school play for the second year in a row and cannot wait to grow and further cement herself in both the screen and theatre industry.

 

Cast

Londiwe Martiens is a multifaceted talent, known for her dynamic roles on both stage and screen, as well as her deep devotion as a worship leader. With comprehensive training from The Market Theatre Laboratory, the Duma Ndlovu Actors Academy, and Actors Spaces Academy, Londiwe embodies the essence of a versatile performer.

Her acting journey has been a captivating one. She's left an indelible mark with her appearances in Mzansi Magic Movies, including notable titles such as "Sikhukhukazi," "Mina nabangani bami," "Ngeso lika makhelwane," "Moriri waka," and "Isthonga." Each role showcases her dedication and talent.

In 2020, Londiwe was set to shine in the Joburg theatre production of "Macbeth," but the unforeseen lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic halted this exciting theatrical venture. Her unwavering commitment to her craft brought her back to the stage, and in 2022, she was part of the cast for "Confessions" at the Joburg Theatre.

One of her most remarkable achievements has been her recent portrayal of "Jackie" on "Generations: The Legacy," marking a significant milestone in her acting career.

Beyond her acting prowess, Londiwe is a devoted worship leader. Her faith enriches her life and art, adding depth and meaning to her creative pursuits. Londiwe's journey is a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication to both her art and her faith, making her a true inspiration to all who have the privilege of witnessing her work.

 

Tee Fermenso Tshegofatso Mashuga, commonly known as Tee Fermenso (22) is an authentic creative residing in Johannesburg, South Africa. Tee is an independant artist currently working with the likes of Notbenjamin and Moneybadoo. Tee has no boundaries and limitations to her music, creating work across genres such as hip hop, afro pop, electronic and rock. Her overall aesthetic and style can be seen as authentic, unique and attention grabbing, “When I walk in a room, everyone stops and stares, and ohh my do I love the attention, I love engaging with a crowd when I perform or when I’m at events presenting”. Tee Fermenso can be seen as an all round creative, providing services such as perfoming, creative directing, presenting, make up and stying, as well as writing and modelling.

 

Trusted SLK (real name Sivuyisiwe Silinga) is a Capetonian rapper residing in Johannesburg - Debuts her IF I DON’T WHO WILL album - 22/03/2024. She specialises at killing performances, tight bars and attitude. She is also the 2020- 2021 SportScene Put Me On National Campion. MY W'S. Best Female Nominee at SA Hip Hop Awards 2022/2023 Performed at the Hennessy Back to the City & Cotton Fest ‘22 & ‘23  and at Maboneng Music Festival Uyathetha music video produced by Tweezy sitting on 27K views on YouTube 4 page spread in Hype Magazine June Issue Signed a distribution deal with UK company. Founder of Velvet Sunday’s (events management). SABC’s One Mic top Season 3’s only female to make it to top 8 battle rap finalist. 3 Music Videos on Trace rotation

 

Ncamisa Nqana: 2017 - 2019 Actress in Freedom The Musical - Aubrey Sekhabi 2020. Actress in BOSADI MOSADI - Kedibone Manyaka. 2021. Actress in TSOGO - The Rise of Charlotte Maxeke - Mapula Setlhako. Vixen on Lepotjotjo- Magatsela More and Taba Tse Monate - Teboho Kobedi 2022. Actress in CHURCH MAFIA The Musical - Kedibone Manyaka 2023. Production Assistant for AKHAPHELA QUEENTET - Ncamisa Nqana & Josie Matabola & SOUL ART AFFAIR - Phindile Nqana at The South African State Theatre. 2023 Music Director & Actress UNBURYING THE TRUTH - Lehlohonolo Xauka SKILLS    

Tirelo Princess Makgale is from Pretoria North. She is a young female rapper and a law student at Eduvors College. 

  • Venue: Centenary Hall
  • Location: St Andrews College
  • Ticket price: R80.00
  • Programme type: Curated Programme
  • Genre: Theatre
  • Duration: 60 mins
  • Ages: 10+
    • Academic or Professional Content
Centenary Hall
June 26, 2024 16:00 - 17:00
Centenary Hall
June 27, 2024 11:00 - 12:00
Centenary Hall
June 28, 2024 20:00 - 21:00