Tshegofatso Mafojane still can’t believe she was chosen to play the lead role in Sarafina!.
The 35-year-old actor and dancer who was born in Mahikeng, North West, plays the role of Sarafina, a schoolgirl with great leadership qualities.
Tshegofatso said she went to audition for the role of a dancer, but the producers had other ideas.
Mafojane has toured Germany, Singapore and Switzerland with various dance productions
“I feel so honoured.
“I am looking forward to the future.
“I hope this role will snowball into something bigger,” she said.
Sarafina premiered at the Joburg Theatre on Thursday and will be on stage until Sunday.
Tshegofatsho said she gives her all when she portrays a character, no matter how small her role is.
“I try my best not to fool around when I’m given a role.
“I focus.
“I went to Sarafina! to dance but now I have upgraded to acting and I’m loving it.”
Tshegofatsho said she sees a lot of herself in Sarafina.
“Those who know me will tell you that I was born a leader.
“I am like Sarafina.
“I never shy away from guiding others.
“I take it upon myself to lead,” she said.
The musical was directed by Mbongeni Ngema and features the late Hugh Masekela’s music.
It is a setwork and is studied by pupils across the country.
Sarafina! is about students who took part in the 1976 Soweto uprising against apartheid.
It was created in 1986 and premiered at The Market Theatre the following year, when Leleti Khumalo played the lead role.
The musical was later adapted into a film starring Whoopie Goldberg, Mbongeni Ngema, Somizi Mhlongo John Kani and Miriam Makeba.
- Tickets are available at www.joburgtheatre.com from R150. You can also call 0861 670 670.
