A Glimpse of Light: INkhanyezi and Glimpse - a double bill
Choreographed by Bongiwe MKHUMBENI (University of Cape Town) and Directed by Sonja LOUW (Stellenbosch University)
The Young Professionals series provides a platform for graduating students to share their graduating work with the wider public, whilst allowing the work to introduce them to the industry. For many, graduating work is the culmination of years of study and as such should be given the space and time to develop and grow into work that enables young professionals to begin working as artists and earning a living.
The Young Professionals, now in its fourth year, is presented as a series throughout the year creating opportunity for graduating students from different universities to work with each other.
INkhanyezi
INkanyezi is a choreographic work that moves through memory, faith and tenderness, looking at the fleeting moments where light quietly finds us. Inspired by my childhood, whispered prayers, songs that sound like home and the comfort found in repetition, the work reflects on how home reveals itself in care, in love and in hope. Light becomes both guide and offering. Carried. Shared. Multiplied through the body in motion. The choreography invites us to step into a world where the past and present coexist. INkanyezi is a reminder that home can live within us. A light we keep in our hearts.
CREATIVE TEAM
Bongiwe Mkhumbeni is a multi disciplinary artist, blending choreography, photography, and visual storytelling. Currently completing her final year at the University of Cape Town, she is trained in RAD Ballet, Contemporary, African, and AIDT Modern. She has also completed a masterclass programme with Gregory Maqoma at the John Kani Performing Arts Academy. Her works include iNkanyezi Yokusa and contributions to the immersive production ITYALA. Through both movement and imagery, she seeks to create evocative experiences that challenge and inspire audiences. Bongiwe continues to refine her craft, committed to shaping meaningful and impactful artistic narratives.
Nokulunga Masia is an artist, performer and facilitator driven by the desire for storytelling and storymaking. Masia has occupied various roles in the creative space, namely as a stage actor, physical and live art performer, and Applied Theatre practitioner. Her personal works are driven by the philosophy of enabling others to question, reflect and act upon social injustices or personal inhibitions
GLIMPSE
January 2026. Suspected arson sparks multiple fires in Stanford. The blaze consumed over 4000 hectares of land, much of it Fynbos. Glimpse gives us a momentary or partial view of the relationship between the human and more than human world.
A physical theatre performance piece directed, written, choreographed with costume design by Sonja Louw and performed by Nolwandle Makombe, Anlia Maraia, Alyssa Jacobs, Mila Sobolewski with musician Kálene Botha. The production is stage managed by Jurie Boshoff.
CREATIVE TEAM
Sonja Louw is currently busy with her master’s degree at Stellenbosch University, where she obtained her Honours degree in Drama and Theatre studies, specialising in Physical Theatre. She enjoys dabbling in acting, directing and choreographing.
Mila Sobolewski is a Cape Town based performer and honours student in Physical Theatre at Stellenbosch University. She holds an extensive background in professional figure skating, acrobatics, various dance disciplines, piano, acting and puppetry. She sees every opportunity as a platform to grow, develop and crystallise her craft; from a performative and technical level. Outside of theatre and rehearsal spaces, Mila enjoys cooking, the YOU Magazine’s Blockbuster puzzles and spending time with friends and family.
Nolwandle Makombe is a self-driven and passionate young creative who values intentionality and meaningful outcomes. She works well in collaborative spaces and enjoys bringing fresh, thoughtful perspectives to the table. Eager to apply her public speaking abilities and strong organisational skills to any professional environment, Nolwandle looks for opportunity to grow and refine her craft. She brings clear communication, reliable time management, and a commitment to showing up fully in any role she takes on.
Alyssa Jacobs is a dynamic theatre practitioner specializing in physical theatre. She earned her BA Honours in Drama from Stellenbosch University, she is an actor, writer, and choreographer. Alyssa immerses herself passionately in storytelling and creating stories herself
Anlia Marais is a BA Drama and Theatre Studies graduate from Stellenbosch University with a lifelong background in dance and a strong interest in physical storytelling.
Kalene Sybil Botha graduated from Stellenbosch University with a BA Drama and Theatre degree 2024 and went on to complete her Honours degree in 2025 specializing in cabaret, graduating cum laude. She has extensive experience in various musical training and performing arts, having completed Royal Schools and Trinity examinations with distinction across all grades. She is a versatile performer and is an educated writer, director, actor, cabaret artist, vocalist, saxophonist and pianist. She has been part of various jazz band and concert band throughout her career and sang as a first soprano in the Stellenbosch University Choir in 2022. She has performed across South Africa and internationally.
After finishing his honours in Cabaret at Stellenbosch University, Jurie Boshoff is pursuing a new avenue working at Kelders van Geheime as crew. He however is still busy with theatre productions with his peers, such as Yellowtail, Glimpse, Granaatsap, Die Show Show and Director and writer of A Flying Princess playing a Violin. Jurie is a multifacited actor, Director and stage manager. He has great love for the South-African theatre and film industry, and loves working with people who care as deeply about creating original work as he does.