A special feature of RedFest this year is our very own Redhill Old Girl Lesedi Job’s direction of Helen of Troyville, a production that has wowed theatregoers throughout South Africa.

Lesedi occupies a special place in Redhill history. Having been dismayed to find no choir in high school, she formed an acapella group that regaled for many years with her at the helm. Nominated as a prefect on the back of her status as head of the students’ Cultural Committee, she has taken a somewhat roundabout route to a career on stage.

Soaking up acting, dancing and public speaking, Lesedi nonetheless started out studying journalism after leaving Redhill. This left her completely unfulfilled as a pursuit, and she very bravely entered Idols in 2003, propelled by her absolute compulsion to let her talent fly. Faring well into the top 32 contestants, she realized she had ‘come home’ and decided to formalize her love of the arts by enrolling at Wits University, studying both music and drama and graduating with an Honours Degree in dramatic arts some years later.

Lesedi is well known as a singer, voiceover artist and actress. Her current foray into the realm of directing has all of the hallmarks of a Lesedi Job pursuit, namely the unavoidable dedication and charisma she exudes wherever she goes. Debuting in James Ngcobo's The Lion and the Jewel (2008), this initial foray into theater was followed by more collaboration with Ngcobo on Touch my Blood (2009).

Further collaboration followed, with memorable productions such as Coloured Museum (2014), the hugely popular Ketekang (2014), Letters to Mandela (2015), I almost remember: a tribute to Maya (2015) and A Raisin in the Sun (2016) for which she received a Naledi Theatre Award nomination for her role as Ruth Younger.

In so many ways, Lesedi epitomises the spirit of growth encompassed by Redhill. Modest and unassuming, she nonetheless demonstrates the tenacity and strength of purpose so valued on the Campus and has had a well-deserved rise in theatrical echelons.

Theater goers all over the world will remember her in a number of other productions too, notably her international collaboration with actors from the USA, Sweden and SA in an excerpt from A Raisin in the Sun for World Theatre Day, in Washington DC. Probably most notably for local fans, the inimitable Curl up and Dye (2013), directed by Sue Pam Grant, starred Lesedi too.

Performing in Lara Foot's Fisher's of Hope (2014) which went on to be performed in Vienna and Germany, Lesedi received a Naledi Theatre Award nomination for best performance by a leading actress. To further highlight her roots at Redhill, Lesedi is currently starring in a two-hander with Fiona Ramsay, If we Dig, directed by fellow Redhill Old Girl Megan Willson.

It seems it was only a matter of time before Lesedi extended her talent to the director’s chair, and in 2016 she availed herself of an opportunity to assist director Adrian Noble during a workshop of the new musical Sousatzka which was staged in 2017 at the Elgin theatre, Toronto. The same year marked her solo directorial debut with the premier of Mike Van Graan’s When Swallows Cry, followed soon thereafter by her direction of Omphile Molusi's Itsoseng, both of these productions being staged at Johannesburg’s famous Market Theatre.

Amongst many accolades, Lesedi is also the fourth recipient of the Sophie Mgcina Emerging Voice Award. To quote the Director herself: “Helen of Troyeville is the third theatre production I have directed as well as my second Mike Van Graan script. It is brave, bold and slightly uncomfortable, but in my years of study at Redhill I was constantly supported for my bravery and boldness. I am aware that the motto “Free to Build” has stayed with me on my journey.”Come one, come all, and enjoy, as Lesedi does us all proud at RedFest this year.

About Helen of Troyville

Helen of Troyville is a poetic work reflecting on the complexities of contemporary South Africa. The story is told through the eyes of a grandmother. In the twilight of her life and with a strong passion to live and use her privileged position to help build a new society, the woman finds herself in a life-threatening situation which forces her to look back and reflect on how she has spent her life.

It is a complex play.

From Saturday 23 - 25 September this year, the school grounds will bring together all that is best of a traditional, family marketplace feel, polished performances across a host of disciplines, as well as a simply great time out for all and sundry. Kicking off with the Red Tie cocktail reception on the evening of the 23 September, a well-rehearsed and consistently embraced weekend of delight will follow, ending on Monday 25 September.With ample parking and all amenities available, RedFest 2017 promises to take a great initiative to new heights and provide premier entertainment for all comers.

For more information go to www.redhillinnovate.co.za

About Redhill School

Recognised as a premier education facility for over a century, Redhill School is once again poised to distinguish itself with the Redhill Innovate initiative, encapsulated by the second annual RedFest, a feast of performing arts presented by students and performing partners. Capitalising on its traditionally heavy lean towards exemplary, rounded education, this year’s RedFest will see some sterling productions from students and professional artists, while also no doubt offering talent scouts an opportunity to mark up and coming stars of the stage & screen. RedFest is key to building the Redhill Innovate concept, as it not only offers the value and sheer joy of the performing arts, but also goes towards preparing students for the world that awaits them. Developing an appreciation of arts and culture, as well as their practise and presentation, is seen as an essential component of the Redhill ethos and sponsors, participants and the public at large are set for a treat as RedFest looms. 

Issued by: The Famous Idea
Contact: Gilly Hemphill
On behalf of: Redfest
Website: www.redhill.co.za