A young man who hails from Worcester is making a name for himself on local big screens in a recently released film being screened at cinemas nationally.
Ashlon Thomas (27) is the lead in Sodium Day, which saw its first screening from 22 April to 5 May at NuMetro theatres nationwide.
The matriculant from Worcester Secondary School, the town’s school of the performing arts, knew from his days in the blue and white uniform that the performing arts beckoned and would play a big part in his future.
Sodium Day is a comedy-drama slice-of-life film about a poor school on the Cape Flats, where things come to a head and explode.
According to Thomas, the film originated as a final-year project that had been chosen to be turned into a feature film.
Determination and never losing sight of his goals have been an integral theme in the young actor’s life.
“In 2007, I was in a play called I am an African, which was performed at the Montagu Arts Festival and I won the best actor award.”
Since then, Thomas was mentored by Lloyd Davids, uncle of Christo Davids, renowned actor who played Errol on 7de Laan.
“Lloyd has been more than just a teacher, he is and will be a mentor,” Thomas said.
After finishing school Thomas received a bursary to study Professional Acting for Camera at City Varsity.
After graduating “professional doors opened for me,” he said.
In Thomas’ high school years he was part of the Junior Town Council.
“When we did outreaches to the elderly I usually conducted puppet shows for them, and that is where I realised that my craft mattered to the community.”
His experience so far has seen him develop a knack for writing as the actor hopes to write and bring his first show to Worcester.
His goals also include establishing a production company as a vessel of apprenticeships for aspiring artists.
