Growing up in an informal settlement might not have been easy for playwright and DUT Alumnus, Thobani Nzuza, but it has not stopped him from excelling as a writer, artist and student.

Nzuza won two awards for being the best actor and for best production at the 7th Annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival for his one-man show, Boy Ntulikazi. He was also nominated for being an outstanding performer, best visiting production, best music director and best script.

The 24-year-old has not had an easy life. Raised by a single parent with more than seven siblings living in a two-room shack and being the only male figure after his father passed on, he is the first to graduate. Even in his career, Nzuza faced challenges but never gave up on his art.

“The road to winning awards and performing at stages like the Baxter Theatre Centre has not been an easy one. My family did not believe in art but I love it because it came into my life when everyone had given up on me, because of the route that life had chosen for us,” said Nzuza.

His play had also been rejected by some festivals but his determination kept him working at it until it was what he calls, ‘close to perfection’. However, Nzuza is no stranger to winning awards. In 2014, he won the best director and best production for his play, Shitsha Guluva at the K-Cap: Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre Isigcawu Festival.

Nzuza’s play (Boy Ntulikazi) delves into the challenges that determine the way individuals reflect on the world around them. It’s one hander with live guitarist (Nhlanhla Zondi). It probes into the root cause of crime, the rehabilitation of criminals and it alerts society to the ramifications of indiscretions in life.

Head of Drama and Production Studies at DUT, Professor Deborah Lugte, said Nzuza’s passion and dedication to playwriting and his studies altogether were that of a special kind. “He (Nzuza) spends time crafting his art. He epitomises the ideal graduate through his drive, talent and entrepreneurial spirit. He is always highly motivated and focused. I am so thrilled that his play is bearing the fruits that it deserves,” she said.

The play is currently is being published by Junk Jackets as a winning prize from the 7th Annual Zabalaza festival Awards. It is currently doing roadshows in Cape Town, from there it will head to the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

Pictured: Thobani Nzuza while performing Boy Ntulikazi.

Noxolo Memela