CREATIVE TEAM

Writer & Producer: Rickerby Hinds

Director: Mxolisi Masilela The Great

Production Manager: Gabrielle Williams

Content Creators & Co-Directors: Josiah Alpher & Jada Evelyn Ramsey

CAST & PERFORMERS

Tswarelo Ntate Selolo

Mpho Malesa

Kim Blanche’ Adonis

Jasmine T.R. Gatewood 

Gifter Ngobeni 

Kgomotso ‘MoMo’ Matsunyane

John "Faahz" Merchant

Breayre Tender

CREW:

Rickerby Hinds - Creator/writer & Producer.

Rickerby Hinds is one of the pioneers of Hip-Hop Theater who has the unique ability to challenge conventional notions of the stage while taking advantage of its history and traditions. A native of Honduras who immigrated to South Central Los Angeles at age 13, his work draws on his multifaceted background to create theatre that is simultaneously challenging, compelling and entertaining.Hinds received his BA from UC Riverside and his MFA in playwriting from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television where he was awarded the coveted Audrey Skirball-Kenis (ASK) Award for best play for an unprecedented two years. His work has been developed by venues including the The Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C., the Mark Taper Forum, Bay Area Playwrights Festival, The Royal Court Theatre in London and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (where he presented the first hip-hop Theatre play in their history Blackballin’ in 2008). He is currently a full professor of playwriting at UC Riverside and the founding director of Riverside Studios where he continues to break new ground in developing works for the stage and screen by expanding the definition of both theatre and hip-hop expression though works like Dreamscape in which he uses beatboxing, dance and spoken word to explore the problematic relationship between the Black community and the police; or Amplified Fidelity: An exploration of Humanity Through Sound in which the entire history of the universe and human beings’ quest for survival is explored using only beatboxing.Hinds is a Fulbright Fellow and his work has toured Romania, Poland, Austria, Hungary and Turkey, England as well as numerous venues in the US. His play Dreamscape received a record 6 2016 Los Angeles NAACP nominations winning: Best Director for Hinds, Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress, Dreamscape was also adapted into the award-winning film My Name is Myeisha which Hinds co-wrote and produced.

MXOLISI MASILELA   Co-Creator & Director:

Mxolisi Masilela is a transformative force in South Africa’s theatre landscape, renowned for his role as the founder and artistic director of The TX Theatre. Under his leadership, The TX Theatre has achieved acclaim and recognition, including multiple Naledi Awards, establishing itself as a premier venue for innovative and impactful performance art. Masilela’s artistic journey began with his education at the Windybrow Theatre Performing Arts Centre, where he honed his skills as an actor, director, playwright, and producer. His commitment to excellence in the performing arts led him to an international exchange program at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia in 2018, where he pursued performance studies. This experience broadened his creative horizons and influenced his subsequent works. In addition to his role at The TX Theatre, Masilela is a prominent figure in the South African theatre community as a co-owner and operator of the country’s prestigious independent theatre awards. His contributions to theatre extend beyond his own productions; he is the co-founder and artistic director of the Kuwamba National Women’s Theatre Festival and the founder of The Tembisa Theatre Week, platforms dedicated to celebrating and nurturing theatrical talent. Masilela’s directorial work is marked by a series of acclaimed productions that have garnered both national and international attention. His 2013 production “Thula Thula” won the Zwakala Festival and was celebrated for its powerful storytelling during its run at the Market Theatre in 2014. “Queen the Chosen Ones,” another of his notable works, was nominated for a Naledi Award in 2013. “The Asylum,” which was recognized as one of the best productions at the Ishashalazi Theatre Festival, and “These Are Not My Shoes,” which enjoyed successful runs at The TX Theatre and the Fiti International Theatre Festival in Mozambique, further showcase his talent. Masilela’s collaboration with the Market Theatre as part of the directing team for the Naledi-nominated “Six Characters in Search of an Author” highlighted his ability to work within prestigious theatrical environments. His direction of “Medumo ya Borwa,” which won the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award at the 2018 National Arts Festival, and his magical production “Exhibition,” have both been celebrated for their innovation and impact. His latest work, “Walls and Pillows,” is set to tour nationally and across the African continent, continuing his tradition of groundbreaking theatre. In addition to his directorial achievements, Masilela has made significant contributions as a mentor and collaborator. He served as assistant director and dramaturg for various projects, including the Naledi-nominated “Six Characters in Search of an Author” and Luyanda Sidiya’s “Phases.” His extensive body of work includes plays such as “The Contour,” “Mabu,” “White Walls,” “Uncharted,” “Medumo ya Borwa,” “Malepa the Musical,” “Adam's Ale,” and “Leina,” which won the Standard Bank Ovation Award Silver in 2024. Masilela’s acting career is equally distinguished, with a prominent role in the Mzansi Magic series “Stash” and numerous stage performances. His contributions to theatre have garnered international recognition, including a theatre-making residency at the University of Michigan in the United States, where he participated in a global theatre exchange and delivered lectures on theatre and art entrepreneurship. A respected figure in the theatre community, Masilela was a member of the 2019 National Arts Festival adjudication panel.

Gabrielle Williams - Production Manager.

Josiah Alpher - Crew.

Josiah Alpher is an actor and digital creator from Northern California. He first gained attention in high school as the host of Brat TV's Snapchat show "Hot Take," which attracted nearly 200,000 subscribers. He also played camp counsellor Jake in the first season of Brat TV’s series "Charmers." Josiah studied at the University of California, Riverside, where he made his theatre debut as Clifford Bradshaw in "Cabaret." He is trained under actress and professor Kimberly Guerrero, learning the Alexander Technique, viewpoints, and the Suzuki method. He also performed in the original play "Blackbox," written by Rickerby Hinds. As his career continues to flourish, Josiah Alpher’s versatile skills extend across various mediums, including film, television, and Theatre.

Jada Evelyn Ramsey - Crew.

Jada Evelyn Ramsey

Theater, Film & Digital Production graduate.

Concentration: Acting & Directing

Jada Evelyn Ramsey is a 21-year-old artist set to graduate with a B.A. in Acting and Directing from UC Riverside in June 2025. During her time at UC Riverside, she has received recognition including the Gluck Film Fellowship, the Chancellor's Performance Award for two consecutive years, and an award for Acting in a Leading Role at the UC Riverside Theatre, Film, and Digital Production (TFDP) Film Festival. Jada began her artistic journey with summer acting intensives at NYU Tisch and UCLA TFT and has been involved in productions at UCR such as "Men On Boats," "Black Box," and "Magpie." As a Producer, she has worked on impactful projects, including the thesis film "If I'm Being Honest." Jada is dedicated to creating work that entertains, inspires, and uplifts, aiming to leave a positive and lasting impact through her storytelling. 

Performers:

Tswarelo Ntate Selolo.

Tswarelo Ntate Selolo is a 22 year old, born and raised in Tembisa. Kgwadi has been part of the art industry for over 10 years and is a dynamic and multifaceted talent with a passion for both acting and directing. This has seen him featured as an actor and dancer in more than 30 community theatre plays and dance pieces from different community groups including Sello sa Tlou theatre group, Umzekelo cultural organisation, Marapo A Naga and The TX Theatre.  Kgwadi has won multiple theatre awards for best lead actor (Hillbrow Outreach School Festival, 2015), TX Theatre Festival (best supporting actor 2017), best runner up actor (Hillbrow Outreach School Festival 2016), as well as best cameo role (Hillbrow Outreach Festival 2017). Driven by his passion for the arts , Kgwadi is currently pursuing formal training in both acting and directing at the Tshwane University of Technology. A young man with dreams of becoming the greatest actor the world has ever seen, Kgwadi’s acting career has taken him to bigger stages including the Market Theatre, State Theatre, Tin Town Theatre, The TX Theatre, Gymnasium Theatre (NAF) and Bloemfontein (PACOFS) . The following are some of his production highlights in the industry: These Are Not My Shoes (by Mxolisi 'The Great' Masilela) received a Naledi nomination for best independent theatre production (2021) STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER (by Moruti Abednego Dlhamini) received a Standard Bank Ovation Award at NAF. LEINA (by Mxolisi 'the Great' Masilela) lead actor. The production has received four nominations from the Naledi Awards where Kgwadi secured a nomination for the best performance in a play for theatre plays staged in 2023. 

Jasmine T.R. Gatewood - Female actor.

Jasmine T.R. Gatewood.

Jasmine T.R. Gatewood graduated with her B.A. in Theatre Arts-Performance from Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, and with her Master’s in Acting from California Institute of the Arts School of Theatre, Santa Clarita, CA. Jasmine’s voice-over work and singing is featured on seven seasons of Dreamworks' “Madagascar: A Little Wild.” Her credits also include The World Premiere of Rickerby Hinds' Blackbox, Dahlak Brathewaite's Try Step Trip, Nickelodeon’s “Cousins For Life,” TNT’s “Animal Kingdom,” and the “Fallout” video game franchise. She loves what she does, living by Philippians 4: 13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Kim Blanche’ Adonis   

Kim Blanche’ Adonis is a Cape Town born award-winning actress and recent acting coach from Cape Town, South Africa. Kim spent the majority of her life in the Northern Suburbs until she graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Theatre and Performance, specialising in bilingual acting  (2019). Kim is currently working on 3 one-person shows namely, “My fellow South Africans”, “Change starts just now” and “He Had it coming” all three shows written by Mike Van Graan. Kim has won the ‘US Woordfees, Woordtrofee’ for the Best Solo Achievement as well as the Best Solo Performance at the ‘Independent theatre awards’.  In between the various theatre productions, she has worked in live television as well as on the big screen and now using her own acting experience Kim currently coaches other performers. Her aim is to uplift performers, (untrained or trained) confidence, skillset and overall performance quality, as Kim is passionate about transformation and using storytelling to do so. In addition to this, Kim has worked on various series (Projek Dina, Blood and Water S4) , local and international commercials as well as films (Barakat by Amy Jephta, SKULD by Daniel Mpilo Richards and stars in Hallie Haller’s new feature film).  Kim has played various roles in community uplift projects from Woodstock to Clanwilliam and has performed at more than 50 schools in South Africa, doing various projects. Kim is revered for her dedication and passion to the craft and her drive to pour back into communities and young people.

Gifter Ngobeni - Actor  

Gifter Ngobeni obtained his Master’s Degree (Cum Laude) in Performance Art from Tshwane University of Technology in 2023. He has a strong background in community development theatre, wherein he was awarded over 50 accolades for various categories such as, Drama, Music, Poetry and Dance. He is an expert facilitator and dramaturge, and has imparted his expertise in wellknown festivals around Gauteng. Mr Ngobeni is an internationally acclaimed performer, having performed in Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Brussels. Mr Ngobeni is not only a theatre performer, he has also been professionally featured in television works, including commercials and has also done radio drama. He is a stunt-man, who specialises in stage combat, clowning, stilts and jumper’s work. He is a festival curator, and has curated for the following festivals: Mothogola Arts Festival, Tembisa Theatre Week and Feast of the Clowns. Mr Ngobeni is the founder of 4Play Theatre Productions and is also an associate Artistic Director at the TX Theatre. In his years of practice and experience within the arts sphere, he discovered his niche and passion for teaching. Mr Ngobeni is a former Dramatic Arts and Creative Arts Teacher from Alexandra High School. He then moved to a private institution of higher learning, City Varsity, where he taught major practical and theoretical specialisation modules. Mr Ngobeni is currently a professional part-time lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology.

Kgomotso ‘MoMo’ Matsunyane  

Kgomotso ‘MoMo’ Matsunyane is an accomplished actor, playwright, and director. Her extensive career in theatre, film, and television has earned her numerous nominations and awards. Notably, she performed in "Hlakanyana The Musical," which won 8 out of 14 awards at the 2023 Naledi Awards. Matsunyane herself won Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role as Mawethu, in addition to Best Ensemble and Best Production of a Musical. Her other accolades include Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Have You Seen Zandile?" (Naledi Theatre Awards 2014), Best Supporting Actress for 

"Ankobia" (SA Theatre Magazine Awards 2017), Best Ensemble for "Animal Farm" (Naledi Theatre Awards 2015), and Best Supporting Role for "Tsotsi The Musical" (Fleur Du Cap Awards 2018). 

In 2023, she starred in a new sketch comedy show called ROSA, directed by Kagiso Lediga, set to premiere on Netflix. Matsunyane also served as the festival director for the Zwakala Festival in the same year and will mentor the winning group for their stage performance in October 2023. Professionally active since 2004, Matsunyane earned her Honours  Degree in Dramatic Arts from Wits University in 2012, with majors in  Performance and Film and Television. In 2022, she performed in "If A  Tree Falls," directed by Janice Honeyman, and in 2020, she was in  Switzerland performing in "Converting Eviction."  In 2021, Matsunyane was the Head Writer of the musical "Hlakanyana," produced by Madevu Entertainment and UJ Arts Centre and directed by Janice Honeyman. She also starred in Lulu Mlangeni's production "Kganya," which debuted at the Afrovibes Festival in 2022 and played at The State Theatre in July 2023. 

Mpho Malesa.

Mpho Malesa is a 28 year old actor, award winning stage designer, facilitator, voice teacher/coach and writer who was born in Gauteng Tembisa where he commenced his 13 year career. He started doing  performing  arts  at  a local community theatre organisation called Sello sa tlou theatre group that's when he cultivated the love for performing arts, through dance, poetry and acting. The organisation went to  perform  in  local  community festivals and national festivals. In 2016 he went to enrol at Tshwane university of technology to further his skills and academic education. There he  specialised  in  Voice and applied theatre. There he  got  to  work  with  giants like Dr Karina Lemmer in 2017 who directed a play called Dance of Death playing lead and Motlotlegi in 2018 where he portrayed Motlotlegi, an adaptation  of  Julius  caesar. He worked with Tebatso Mashishi in 2016 who directed "You fool how the sky falls". In 2018 and 2019 Mpho (MPOUR) Malesa and Sabelo Mthethwa (Baninzi) collaborated and staged a music and poetry show "Wounds in the wilderness" which was massively successful. In 2018 he played a supporting role in Bahahlauli in directed by Dr Kabi Thulo. In 2017 onward he wrote and collaboration with the TX theatre artistic director MXolisi Masilela on several productions including "These are not my shoes", Echoes, and "Malepa The Musical" in 2022 which all were directed by MXolisi Masilela. In 2021 Mpho joined the Kwasha theatre company where he got the opportunity to work with several great artists and actors from the country. Mpho was selected and participated in the international intensive voice workshop by the Lessac Institute and is in a process of certification to be a Lessac Kinesensic Facilitator teacher. Mpho is still looking to stage more theatre shows and make waves on screens. He collaborated and directed a play titled "One night with modjadji", and starred in a "Little fist big heart" written by Lereko Mfono and directed by Wynne O'brien and Dintshitile Mashile. He also starred in "Updated syllabus for the woke" which was directed by Hayleigh Evans. Mpho has done a number of films and modelling for TV including music videos for Zakwe and A reality show for Khanyi Mbau titled "Mbau reloaded" on BET.

John "Faahz" Merchant -  Beatboxer

John "Faahz" Merchant is an entertainer, born and raised in Pomona, California. He began beatboxing at the age of 6, growing up with a passion for music. The trials and tribulations of his life caused him to gravitate towards an inspirational career path. Utilising his talents within performing arts, Faahz is a NAACP theatre award recipient and instructs a beatboxing course to junior and high school students. Faahz plans to encourage youth to further their education, pursue their passion in life, and help spread the arts in communities throughout the world.