It’s the end of man’s world

02 September 2016

 

Working as a stage manager at the Joburg Theatre means that Miza Ngaye is surrounded mostly by men most of the time.

 

But instead of being intimidated by the male-donated working environment, Ngaye uses the opportunity and platform to excel, or even exceed expectations, in the job she does.

“Six years ago, when I joined the City’s entertainment entity, I felt like my male colleagues wanted to do my job for me because I was a woman and they thought, honestly speaking, it was a man’s world,” says Ngaye.

She said at the time there were only two women who worked as stage managers at the theatre. When the other left she became the only one.

“Over the years I’ve had to teach my colleagues how to treat me and for them not to see me as different but as their equal,” says Ngaye.

She says though not the easiest thing to do, she had to work twice as hard to prove she was capable.

“Being a stage manager requires physical strength and I’ve proven time and time again that I’m stronger than I look,” she says.

Before she joined the Joburg Theatre, she worked at the State Theatre in Pretoria and Market Theatre in Johannesburg.

“We still live in a society that believes there are jobs for males and jobs for females whereas, in reality, a job is a job. There are thousands of strong women out there who are doing well in male-dominated fields,” notes Ngaye.

The Joburg Theatre has exposed her to many other wonderful women who are doing great things and are passionate about theatre.

“The City supports women and we’re encouraged to reach our full potential," says Ngaye.

She says during the National Women's Month in August the Jo'burg Theatre showcased women’s shows, such as Supreme Divas and Sisters in Song. She says for her to be part of bringing women-based productions to life was fulfilling. Ngaye adds that another aspect that makes her job so fulfilling is youth development. For the past four years she has been working at Space.com, part of the theatre that focuses on youth development. She says being moved there was a perfect fit for her because she is passionate about the development of youth. 

“This part of the Joburg Theatre is critical because it enables young people to refine their craft. It’s a good platform for young people to expose their work, whether it be plays, poetry, music and dance. 

“I believe that in order to have a great future as a country we must start from the grassroots and do right by the youth,” says Ngaye.

“It’s an honour to help young people find their voice in arts and theatre."

She says in the six years that she has been with the theatre she has been afforded the opportunity to expand her skills. Moving into Space.com gave her the opportunity to transform it into a highly educational, creative and informative space.

“When young people come here they’ve the opportunity to take their work to the next level and get advice on what they can do better and differently,” she says.

Ngaye is at present working on the Joburg Youth Alive, part of Arts Alive, that will take place from September 15-18.

“I like networking because I believe in creating contacts that will benefit young people who bring their work to Space.com,” she says.