Our Stories
Theatre is a place where we can share our stories. It is both humbling and empowering to recognise yourself in someone else’s story, it means we share common ground. That has the potential to unify us; it might even help to heal our broken communities.
Celeste
“Theatre is a way to create magic. We can transport people to a different world. We can make them laugh and cry. We can make them dream.”
Celeste Slabber-Loriston obtained a B. Dram IV qualification from the University of Stellenbosch in 1992, where she also received a Fleur du Cap nomination for best student in 1992, and the award for best practical student in her final year.
She accepted a Drama teaching post in 1994 at New Orleans Secondary School in Paarl. At New Orleans Secondary School se wrote and directed Theatre in Education programs. Themes like AIDS, TB and FAS were explored. She resigned from the Education department in 2004 and accepted a part time Dance and Drama teaching post at La Rochelle Girls High in Paarl.
In 2005 she attended a writer’s workshop with Marianna Brandt and her first children’s book: Danie en die mierneskewer was published by Room to Read. Her Youth novel JINX was short listed for the Sanlam Youth literature prize in 2012, and is scheduled to be published by Protea Publishers in 2018.
In 2009 she moved to Riversdale . She worked on her first one woman play: GIF. It was performed at KKNK 2012 and Suidoosterfees in 2012.
In collaboration with Cape Nature she developed TIE programs focusing on Nature Conservation. Themes like: Recycling, Leopard Conservation, Wetlands and Marine Conservation were developed.
In 2013 she wrote her second play: Oorboord. This was performed at Woordfees 2013, Stellenbosch.
She became the co-owner of Story Team in October 2014.
Marhette
“ Theatre, especially educational, creates opportunities for the exploration of new ideas. Things only thought or read or spoken about, are played out to be seen and experienced with all the senses.”
Marhette van Huyssteen received a BA Drama degree from the University of Pretoria in 2000. She completed a Higher Education Diploma the following year from the same university.
Her professional career started as a lecturer in Communication Skills at the Tshwane University of Technology and Tshwane College.
From 2002 - 2005 she acted in various television productions: Egoli, 7e Laan and Song vir Katryn, while teaching part-time at various schools.
In 2003 she started a children’s theatre business in Pretoria, Babbelbox, where many successful productions were written and directed by her.
After moving to the Vaal Triangle, she taught English at Damelin Vaal, Dramatic Arts at Vaalpark Articon and started a family.
From 2008 -2010 she worked in the publishing industry, and was the editor of Finesse magazine.
Currently, she is co-owner of Story Team and living her dream.
Filicity
Filicity Tobias het gematrikuleer by Hawston Sekondêr. Daarna het sy ’n jaar se drama-studie aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch voltooi.
“Ek is ’n goudgrawer van die gees. Die vermaaklikheidswêreld is my tweede tuiste en drama was van kleins af my passie.”
Zizou
Zizou Ngqwane matriculated from Desmond Tutu High School in Paarl in 2016, and is the newest and youngest member of the team.
Since an early age Zizou wanted to be a stage actress.
“In years to come, I want to be an example and role model for children who want to act. Nothing is impossible if you work hard, set goals and and keep your eye on the future.”
Anette
Anette Kahts helps the rest of the team keep it real by sorting out admin and numbers.
She has a BCom Economics degree and an Honours degree in Banking from the University of Pretoria.
“I love to see the difference theatre makes when I look at the young faces in the audience. Imaginations are set free. Children get to learn while they’re playing.”
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