As a little girl she delighted her parents in small concerts held at her aftercare centre, a passion that would grow to someday take her places.
That someday is here, and young actress Aksana Matokazi (17) from Brackenfell is jetting off to Los Angeles at the end of July to represent South Africa in the World Championships of Performing Arts.
A versatile performer, Aksana will compete in the comedy, drama and singing categories.
“Aksana has amazing and diverse talent, she is a triple treat,” says Yolandé Rabé principal at The Stage Performing Arts Studio in Durbanville where Aksana has for the past seven years fallen in love with musical theatre and singing.
It was her big win as senior overall grand champion at the South African championship held in the North West Province in October last year that bagged her the fully paid trip to the USA.
Aksana says she feels incredibly honoured to have won.
“Competition was quite tough and I was going up against great South African performers that were both older and younger than me. I am overwhelmed with joy as this will be the first time I ever travel outside of the country, which is an opportunity that I never thought I would ever get in my high school career,” she excitedly told TygerBurger.
Loved performing
Born in Cape Town, she started acting at the age of nine after her father noticed her bubbly personality and love for performance. He enrolled her at a part-time film school where her talent started blooming.
Two years later she joined The Stage which was closer to home. “I loved performing on stage from a very young age. I used to be very competitive and always strived to be in the front and centre stage to make sure all the parents could see me,” she says and adds that it is the expression she finds in drama that allows her to explore herself.
“It relieves me from any stress I might have. As soon as I enter my drama class the environment is exciting and I love that I get to work with different types of personalities. Drama gives me the ability to understand and play different characters and freely explore different narratives.
“I enjoy the new information that I learn, every day I work on myself to improve my abilities. Drama impacts my way of thinking as I am able to apply the knowledge and life skills in my everyday life. The more I perform the more confident I become.”
With the championship looming, Aksana is counting her blessings and has set herself high goals.
“I am working towards winning gold medals for team South Africa and also working towards the overall award, but I do expect that it will be challenging. I am going to enjoy the process, the competition and adventure and give my best. I appreciate the opportunity and I am grateful for all the people that have supported and contributed to my journey.”
