Theatre declares ‘blackout’ following death
THE NORTHERN Cape Theatre declared a week’s “blackout” in honour of Galeshewe-based award-winning artist Kagisho “Mjakora” Ezekiel Shuping who died last week after a short illness.
Shuping, also known as Jackson, died at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital a few days after he was admitted.
Following the news of the passing of Shuping, the Northern Cape Theatre declared a “blackout” from midnight March 27 until April 1 as a mark of respect and to honour the late “Okapi” actor.
He played the character of Lastborn in the film “Okapi”.
The “blackout” means that all productions booked and scheduled at the Northern Cape Theatre are postponed for a week.
The blackout comes during the same period as the opening of the mainstream theatre production of “Nyatsi”, scheduled to be screened at the Northern Cape Theatre.
The inaugural screening of the mainstream theatre production of “Nyatsi” has been postponed to April 6, 7 and 8.
Shuping was lauded as a vibrant and dedicated young man who, through his love of acting, was among those who kept the doors of the NC Theatre open for many other aspiring actors.
He was part of the Kimberley-based Thapelo Tshite Art’s Development and was set to make an appearance at the upcoming national arts festival this year in a locally-produced stage play, “Emsini”.
The “Emsini” cast described Shuping as “a master of his own destiny”.
Tshite said Shuping’s passing follows an outstanding performance in “Emsini” where he left a mark in Bloemfontein three weeks ago. The play was written and directed by two Number Five boys, Moagi Modise and Mkhululi Z Mabija. It is set in Number Five, where Shuping is from.
“It came from the depths of not just our recent history but from the ground where our umbilical cords are buried,“ he said.
“It wasn’t just good acting technique but he knew the characters well. He knew an Oom Dan, Bra Staff, Fannie and Kele. These were his neighbours, aunts and cousins.
“At the end of ‘Emsini’, he blows out a candle and we go to a blackout,” said Tshite. “Little did we know that was the candle of his mortality blowing out. He was the master of his own destiny.”
Social media was buzzing with messages of support throughout the week as friends and acquaintances of Shuping expressed how he will be remembered for his talent and humanity.
Local artists lauded him for continuously being on the front line and the voice for the silent artists as he tirelessly fought for the benefit of resources for struggling fellow artists.
He was described as a selfless cadre who strived to ensure that the struggles of his fellow artists were heard and that remedies were implemented to ensure that artists are also active role-players within the arts economy.
The DA in the Northern Cape issued a message of support on the passing of Shuping. DA spokesperson for Sport, Arts and Culture, Ofentse Moeng, expressed his wish that Shuping’s legacy would live on for many years to come.
Local businessman and founder of the Galeshewe Gentlemen’s Dinner, Pule Tau, highlighted his pride in having had the honour to celebrate and embrace someone like Shuping who had a meaningful impact on society.
Shuping will be buried tomorrow.
