Jacques Mushaandja – the chosen one

Theatre fanatic Jacques Mushaandja – a face known by many theatre lovers - has recently been granted the opportunity to prove himself as director on international level.

The 24-year old gladly spoke to tjil! about his latest achievement in Theatre – an entertainment area he cherishes and wishes to excel in for the rest of his life.

He was chosen as director for a theatre project implemented throughout three countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region.

Jacque, who holds a B.A. -degree in Drama, has been in the industry for almost seven years with a keen interest in Performance Theatre - a combination of music, drama and dance.
After having directed quite a few stage productions over the past few years, Jacque believes that he is a better director than actor, and also claims he enjoys directing more.

“Theatre needs to educate, enlighten and emancipate, both socially and mentally - that is the power that lies within it,” said Jacques, adding that he always try to work around themes such as gender, human rights, democracy and cultural identity as well as other socio-political and economic issues. “I think there is a gap with regard to the exploration of these issues in our arts sector.”

The Ebsin project will take Jacque and other selected locals, including actors that are also part of the project, to Malawi for two weeks for an intensive workshop. This is but part of the exciting programme awaiting the Namibian collaboration.

Auditions were held recently at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN).

This project is a youth theatre development project supported by the Norwegian Government. Representatives from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will participate in workshops, script and skills development, seminars and touring.

The three countries will engage with three of Ebsin’s plays (Namibia -‘Ghost’) and stimulate dialogue in Southern Africa on the playwright’s ideas and the human socio-political and development issues the play raise.

“I regard this as an opportunity to prove myself as a director and passionate theatre practitioner.”

Jacque is also staging My Koek is Moeg on March 8 and The Chants of my People in April at the NTN.

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