“Don’t wait for the government. Start doing something. I’m working towards building 100 shack theatres across SA.”
Those words of wisdom were echoed by the Cofimvaba-born theatre innovator Mandisi “Dr Disi” Sindo, 36, founder of the township-based Shack Theatre Innovation,
Sindo, who grew up in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, was in China from October 25 to November 17.
With support from the Mellon Foundation, a new Shack Theatre is set to open in Dimbaza, with plans to expand to provinces such as Limpopo, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Shack Theatre Innovation uses informal shack-style structures to create affordable and accessible spaces for local artists, promotes community development, nurtures local storytelling and combats negative stereotypes about township life.
However, Sindo said funding remained a major struggle.
“It’s sad that the government doesn’t support this idea. Their silence says a lot about not wanting to uplift rural and township artists, that’s why we look outside for help.”
He spoke about his recent experience in China, where he went as part of an arts administration and innovation programme, coming out of an international cultural and arts exchange partnership.
He said he was inspired by China’s use of technology in the arts.
“Their performance spaces are designed to include diverse audiences, guests, and attendees. It’s something we can learn from,” he said.
He was “blown away” by the 360-degree revolving stage at the Chongqing National Theatre, where both the stage and the audience seats moved during a performance.
“The play told their country’s story with pride and power.
“That they perform in their own language shows how they value their culture,” he said.
During his stay in Beijing and Chongqing, Sindo noticed the strong connection Chinese artists maintain with their culture.
“The Chinese never compromise their culture. It’s in their clothes, buildings, and food. We could learn from that,” Sindo said.
He encouraged South Africans to support local brands and artists, citing choreographer Gregory Maqoma and Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of MaXhosa, as role models for celebrating African identity.
“Imagine if we all supported MaXhosa instead of brands from overseas,” he said.
Sindo said that his experience in China inspired him to pursue his next musical theatre project, 7616, which explores SA youth activism from the 1976 Soweto uprising to the 2016 #FeesMustFall movement.
Sindo said the exchange programme had opened opportunities for greater collaboration between SA and Chinese artists.
“The National Arts Council has already started this relationship after musicians performed in China last year, and Chinese artists came to the Market Theatre in Johannesburg this year,” he said.
His team is now working on a proposal for a large-scale joint arts event in SA.
“These collaborations are the start of something powerful,” Sindo said.
He wants to continue working with Chinese institutions such as the China National Acrobatics Troupe and art professors such as Shi Fuhong, who is a contemporary composer at the central Conservatory of Music in Beijing to discuss future cross-cultural projects.
To aspiring artists, Sindo’s said: “Don’t follow trends, make trends.
“Don’t fight for change, create change. And never stop chasing your dreams. They will come true through God’s intervention.”
He cautioned against thinking international opportunities brought immediate rewards, but said they were great for sparking new ideas and creativity.
“This experience didn’t just show me art. It showed me possibilities,” he said.
Through his vision for Shack Theatre Innovation, Sindo continues to use art as a tool for transformation. One that uplifts communities, preserves culture, and inspires the next generation of SA artists.
