Two Cape Town boys, Khathu Khangala and Hishaam Ryklief, both 12 years old, who attend the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Cape Town are currently acting alongside some of the world’s leading actors in ‘Waiting for Godot’ at the Fugard Theatre.
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| Khathu Khangala and Hishaam Ryklief Photograph: Timmy Henny |
The two boys were the only South Africans chosen to act in this classic play. Internationally acclaimed director Sean Mathias said, “I am delighted we have found Khathu and Hishaam, who are both extremely natural young actors. They will be a real asset to our production.” The Academy, which is one of the largest community-based drama schools in the World with over 3,000 children attending classes each week throughout the Cape Metropole, is known for developing children and adults in natural acting skills.
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Hishaam Ryklief and Khathu Khangala with Sir Ian McKellen and Director, Sean Mathias Photograph: Timmy Henny |
Both boys have attended the Academy for over 3 years and their skill and dedication to the Helen O’Grady programme has catapulted them into fame acting alongside some of the world’s finest actors including Sir Ian McKellen, famous for Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. The cast also includes Roger Rees who has been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for 22 years and also starred in the acclaimed The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby, Matthew Kelly, award-winning actor and TV presenter and Brendan O’Hea, who is a renowned Royal Shakespeare Company actor.
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Hishaam Ryklief and Khathu Khangala with Sir Ian McKellen Photograph: Timmy Henny |
Principal of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Duncan Rice, said ‘Our programme is about developing confidence, communication and creative skills, in a natural, nurturing environment and we are so pleased to see these humble and gentle boys achieve such outstanding success. They have always worked hard at developing and honing their theatrical skills.
“Not only will the boys be working in the Fugard Theatre, but they will also be bringing the performance to the residents of Khayelitsha who too will get a chance to watch this globally acclaimed performance. The Academy has classes for young people in areas such as Nyanga and Newlands and we are proud of the work we are doing to include all young people into our programme.”
The boys will be performing at the Fugard Theatre, Cape Town, until 14 August.
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Hishaam Ryklief and Khathu Khangala, with Sir Ian McKellen Photograph: Timmy Henny |
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