The year that was, and the year to come
Published on 17 December 2018
We ask the outgoing 2018 Standard Bank Young Artists about their experiences – and find out what they’re up to next…
Jemma Kahn, Theatre
Making THE BORROW PIT as SBYA for Theatre 2018 was the perfect experience. There wasn’t a single asshole along the way – not in administration, production or creation. I think that is remarkable. And I got to make something I am very proud of indeed. THEBORROW PIT will appear at Woordfees in Stellenbosch in 2019. Bookings via www.jemmakahn.com. We are also looking for the perfect Cape Town theatre venue for an extended run of the show next year.
I’m off to Brazil for a holiday (people say it’s well deserved but I say no one deserves a holiday. If you want a holiday then you must have one).
Next year, besides revivals of older work, I will be working on a new kamishibai piece in collaboration with fellow SBYA Theatre winner Jaco Bouwer.
Thandi Ntuli, Jazz
I am preparing for some performances in Switzerland early next year at a festival called Jazzwerkstatt, as well as a Swiss tour followed by an artist residency supported by Pro Helvetia. I am excited to be taking this time out to up-skill and develop some ideas I’ve had, as well as meet and work with musicians in that region.
I also have an exciting collaboration I am working on that I cannot reveal much about yet – except that it’s nothing I’ve ever done. So lots of challenges, stretching, learning and growing.
The year as Standard Bank Young Artist has truly been mind-blowing. I’m really grateful. I am still taking it all in, all thepossibilities it has opened me up to, which I find very inspiring.
Guy Buttery, Music
Over the festive season, I will be taking time out to take part in a long meditation retreat for an undetermined length of time. The retreat is situated in a 2300-year-old Buddhist monastery in a tropical forest in Sri Lanka.
I have just completed work on what will be my seventh album release, which is a duo with Indian sitar player and vocalist Kanada Narahari. The album also features fellow SBYA Shane Cooper. This is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2019, with tours already in place throughout South Africa and the USA. And, immediately upon my return from theEast, I will be working on a feature length film score.
Musa Hlatshwayo, Dance
I’ve had a wonderful year, both personally and workwise. It’s been amazing to have the support of the National Arts Festival and Standard Bank. I feel honoured to have been given the platform to create and stage UDODANA, a piece that is near and dear to me. It has since been invited and performed at the Jomba Contemporary Dance Experience, where it was also received with thunderous critical acclaim. It is my wish for the work to tour and to showcase it in various spaces – especially as it triggers vital dialogue around black masculinity and identity at such a critical time.
I’m hoping for a safe, peaceful, rejuvenating, laughter-filled Christmas holiday back at home in Maphumulo, where I can reconnect and re-centre; a retreat of some sort. I’m looking forward to kicking my dancing shoes off – literally – and just walking barefoot in the space that holds so many dear memories for me. This will prepare me for the big plans I have for next year, which you will soon know about.
Asanda Chuma Sopotela, Performance Art
It truly has been a wonderful fulfilling year. It made my dreams come true and has given me a chance to build other dreams and friendships. The best economy is the human economy and being a SBYA has brought me together with people who have changed my life for the good, creatively and otherwise.
I will be spending this holiday with my family and my daughter, who I had been away from for so long because of work. I love all of you guys and have a fabulous year going ahead and happy meals (this I’m looking forward to).
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