” Lumko’s Dream”
February 10, 2012
“Lumko’s Dream”
Lumko’s Dream
When Lumko, a big-big dreamer, jumps onto the WITS EXPRESS TRAIN, traveling from his small village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape to the golden metropolis of Johannesburg, he carries with him the dreams of the whole village who see him as redemption from a life of poverty and lack of education. Studying through a scholarship to become a neurosurgeon, he has altruistic expectations about his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The landscape he is travelling through changes as his surrounding atmosphere also changes. Wits presents an overwhelming culture shock, it challenges him to adjust to a new way of life: academic stresses, perpetual use of technology and social networks, the confusing big campus and a seemingly obtrusive demand the lectures bring.
His roommate, Tebogo is a complete contrast to him. Raised by three generations of Wits alumni, Tebogo is confident, organised and enjoys the liberation from home and rules that Wits presents to him. Tebogo becomes not only a source of support to Lumko but also the kind of influence with potential to stray him from his much needed focus of obtaining his dream.
Lumko reaches the tipping point and finally succumbs to the mounting academic pressure and gives in to Tebogo’s tenacious attempts to get him to party with him where comes face to face with substance abuse and has a close encounter with HIV. In the aftermath Lumko is compelled to get familiar with resources and services the university offers like Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) and Campus Health.
Having failed to meet his funders’ minimum academic requirement, he goes back home deeply depressed, because he thinks he will not be allowed back to Wits, his hopes and dreams ostensibly shattered. But after he shares his challenge with his grandfather at home, he realises that he still has a chance to make his dream come true.
Cast:
• Peter Butana Molefe (Actor)
• Keitumetse Kasonkola (Actress)
• Mammatli Thakhuli (Actress)
• Masiza Mbali (Actor)
• Clara Baumann (Lights and sounds)
• Les Nkosi (Project Coordinator)
