JOHANNESBURG – Imagine stepping into a theatre. The lights dim. The chatter fades. In that moment, you are not just a spectator -- you are part of something alive, a story unfolding right before your eyes.
At Joburg Theatre, this is where stories live. Every performance begins with a spark: a script, a vision, a character waiting to breathe.
World Storytelling Day is about exactly that. The opportunity to tell stories of “Light in the Dark”, even in the midst of struggle and uncertainty. These are the stories that remind us of hope and resilience.
"Theatre is also a magical place where audiences can forget their real-life problems," said Lindiwe Lekasapa, General Manager of Programming.
"Many of the stories we stage reflect the realities people face in society, yet they also offer perspective, healing, and inspiration.
"In that sense, theatre often becomes a light in dark moments by reminding audiences of resilience, humanity, and possibility."
Stories here are more than plots and dialogue; they are brought to life through careful interpretation, collaboration, and emotional truth.
"Directors shape the vision of the piece, while actors embody the characters with authenticity and vulnerability.
"Together with designers, musicians, and technicians, we create a world that audiences can believe in and emotionally invest in," Lekasapa said.
Turning a script into a performance is no small feat. It is a labour of love, a collaboration of hearts and minds.
Writers lay the foundation, directors give it vision, actors breathe life into it, and every light cue, sound, and costume thread weaves together to make the story tangible, palpable, and unforgettable.
"When actors fully understand their characters and the story they are telling, their performance becomes genuine and relatable," Lekasapa said.
"Through voice, movement, timing, and emotional commitment, they create moments that audiences can feel and respond to."
But in our screen-filled world, theatre is a rare jewel -- a live, shared human experience.
"Audiences gather in one space to witness a story unfold in real time, creating a sense of community and immediacy that cannot be replicated elsewhere," Lekasapa said.
And for young storytellers -- those who feel the pull to act, write, or direct -- the theatre whispers: observe, stay curious, and tell the stories that matter to you.
"Be authentic in the stories you choose to tell, because the most powerful storytelling comes from honesty and passion," Lekasapa said.