Unearthing untold stories and hidden talents

The Athlone civic centre buzzed with creativity on Saturday with singing, dancing, acting, and painting.

The talent show, This Is Me Exposed (T.I.M.E), was run by talent-promotion company DS Productions.

“We use drama methodology to unearth stories from people. We started in February last year, but we have experience of over 25 years in art. We are looking at how do we bring stories back to life,” said DS Productions director Dennis Stander.

Deveon Swartz, who is also one of the group’s directors, said they had started the project last year and had held several talent shows across the city since then.

“Through storytelling, we will bring people together because when you hear someone else’s story, you think about your own and also start your healing. Artists of all spheres share their deepest moments and unique artwork,” he said.

Rahzaah Waldie, 13, of Rocklands, in Mitchell’s Plain, said that drumming was his passion, and he believed it could take him far.

“Luckily I am fortunate enough to own a drum. Many children in Mitchell’s Plain have talent,” he said.

Painter and poet Tiaan ZeeKiewiets, from Kuils River, bases much of his work on cultural heritage, the Khoisan, and understanding your roots.

“Art is subjective and interpretive. DS Productions’ work is amazing. It allows you to tell your story, and you give a bit of yourself to the audience. Our natural given talent is what we are exposing,” he said.

His sister, singer/songwriter Bella ZeeKiewiets, who performed at the event, said: “We struggle with standing up for what is right as a society. We need to take back control.”