Mpho Molepo

South Africa

Born 34 years ago in Soweto and having spent most of his youth in Alexandra township, Mpho trained as an actor at the Market Theatre Laboratory in Johannesburg. He has served the theatre fraternity as an actor, activist, administrator and producer. He was deputy chairperson of the National Community Theatre for Development Network for the past 10 years. Molepo is a founding member of the Southern Africa Theatre Initiative (SATI) and sits on the National Arts Council Theatre panel. He also serves as deputy chairperson of the National Arts Festival.

Through his involvement in theatre over the years he has learnt to understand the importance of communication and how theatre is central to the development of the society. “Theatre is the mirror of a society, and it is the pulse of the people. Through theatre we empower, educate and reflect on society.”

His research topic is “Across the river banks of Limpopo”, a critical look at theatre in the SADC region using the Southern Africa Theatre Initiative as a case study.