Fifteen talented actors from Macassar showcased their skills in a ground-breaking stage production titled Macassar’s Secretlast month.
In its debut, the play marked a remarkable beginning for first-time actors and also served as the launch event for Macassar Excellence Through Arts (MetArts), a newly established NPO.
Founded by Calvyn Grandling, MetArts seeks to develop youth from Macassar and surrounding areas in the arts, providing them training, exposure and career opportunities. The organisation’s long-term goals are to create a place for youngsters to receive an accredited institution that is accessible and affordable, while also helping to create jobs for the artists.
Macassar’s Secret revolves around the Davids’ family treasure chest buried at Macassar Beach. It explores themes of friendship, dreams, challenges, and community dynamics, using a mix of diverse characters skilfully portrayed by a blend of familiar faces and emerging talents. TV presenter Duncan Masiwa and actor Alfredo Joseph, both from Macassar, also starred in the play.
According to Grandling, the story moves between the past, present, and future, showing different characters who each have their own stories about Macassar.
“Some talk about fighting for freedom in the past, and others talk about struggles happening now. But overall, the main idea is that people in Macassar are proud of where they come from, even with all the ups and downs,” Grandling said. “In the end, the play finishes with a big, happy celebration. The message is clear: Macassar’s strength comes from its people, their stories, and their ability to grow while remembering their history.”
Grandling, a well-travelled actor, singer and acting coach from the local community, won the hearts of theatre lovers around the world as Simba in Disney’s iconic musical, The Lion King. His latest project is a 20-year-old dream that has finally been realised, he further shared.
Scriptwriter Robyn Radcliffe said she was challenged to exercise her writing skills, as the brief included incorporating elements of various other art forms, like poetry, rap, song, and dance sequences.
“I was intrigued by the concept of creating a play centred around a specific town,” she said, adding that she wanted the audience to envision their home town with fresh eyes and hope for a better future.
“I was challenged to remain true to the realities of life in Macassar – not to romanticise anything, but also to showcase the positives and to find a sweet spot that would feel authentic and special,” Radcliffe said.
Thanks to the support and Rural Development Network (Rudnet) and the Lottery Fund, each actor received a monthly stipend. Rudnet founder Lesley Fillis said the play also marked his organisation’s final project as it concludes its operations.
As an NPO, Rudnet has been dedicated to rural development for over 14 years, assisting small farmers and tackling issues faced by farm workers. “During our time of operation, we also looked at the promotion of arts, which is how the partnership with MetArts came about,” Fillis explained.
“Rural communities are my passion. For me, it has always been about creating opportunities for youth and women, so that they can rise above their circumstances, but also to use opportunities and leave a legacy for themselves and their children.”
Russel Williams, the founder of Unathi Community Youth Development (UCI) also supports the project. “My involvement was supplying rehearsal space for the actors, as well as encourage young people to get involved.”
Highlighting his involvement in the project, Williams said the goal was not just to counter negative influences, but also engage youths in constructive activities, promoting positivity and involvement.
To put on the performance, the actors dedicated nine months to intense rehearsals and also participated in acting workshops. During this time, Grandling said he observed significant personal and artistic growth among the participants.
“I’ve seen how these individuals go from strength to strength. They are more confident to speak boldly and express their ideas confidently. This project has really added a bit of magic to their lives,” Grandling said.
