How COVID-19 paralyses the new talents?
Corona Virus, Covid-19, is a global challenge which has left countries and governments devastated and mourning for their citizenries who dies in multitudes.
South Africa recorded 11381 newCovid-19 infections on Thursday, and the total number of cases now stands at 1380807 (news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/covid-19-another-11-381-new-cases-as-sas-total-closes-in-on-14m-20210121). Whilst the country is on the verge of soliciting the much needed vaccine to save the lives of its people there are disturbing news about the passing on of celebrities due to Covid-19 related complications. The latest casualty of the pandemic is the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu, who also succumbed to Covid-19.
The creative sector is not spared from the negative effects of Covid-19 as there are reports of radio personalities who passed on due to Covid-19.
On the other hand, Word Of Mouth Pictures is challenging all TV productions to prioritize graduates from performing arts institutions before hiring others. Here are the stats:
- More than 500 young people graduate from Performing Arts institutions every year with degrees and diplomas (the number is actually higher). Less than 50 of these will get some role or the other in a theatre show, tv drama or telenovela.
- TV soapies and Dramas input less than 20 new full time actors each year. (The number is actually much lower). What happens to all the graduates who achieves each year?
Maybe to mention that priority should be given to the graduates from the performing arts is too cruel as there are good actors and/or artists with inane talent and can outperform our graduates. The creative industry of South Africa should create more opportunities for the graduates to compete if we are to have a balanced and diverse talents on our TV’s, theatres, etc.
