Julian Seleke-Mokoto went from being a soccer player in Naledi, Soweto, to award-winning director and script-writer, something he says he himself is surprised at.
He caught the theatre bug when he accompanied a friend, who was doing drama, to his rehearsals. Seleke-Mokoto then became very interested in the theatre and thought he should try his hand at it.
"I never thought I would leave soccer, and I was also very shy and uninterested in drama while at school. But I did think I could be better in theatre if I tried. And so I left soccer and produced my first piece in 1991. It was called The Course, which I wrote and performed in."
Focusing solely on social issues which people identify with, Seleke-Mokoto keeps hitting home with the poignant messages in his work. He uses the stage as his platform to bring important messages to the fore.
One of his most well-known productions, Shattered Dreams, won him the FNB Vita Award for best script as well as best set design and was performed at the Grahamstown Arts Festival more than once.
Seleke-Mokoto is passionate about his work and the state of theatre in our country.
He chairs an organisation known as United Theatre Practitioners of South Africa, which is based in Johannesburg.
"I am very concerned about the fact that things are not 'happening' here in KZN. I note that there is a lot of dissatisfaction among the arts community.
"I believe theatre should start in the townships, have a run outside and then return to the townships again.
"I feel that some of the bigger venues don't give people the chance to showcase their productions on a large scale."
He says he does not want to see artists suffering for their art like they used to 30 years ago. Talking about the production he's bringing to The Playhouse next month, Seleke-Mokoto says it's a piece for strong, independent women.
"Tapping Hearts is a production that has toured a bit and one of those stories that needs to be told.
"When I'm telling a story it has to be something that people can identify with; it has to educate as well as entertain. This story, like my others, is based on things that happen in our society."
The production has a cast of five women expressing themselves, their disappointment with men's behaviour and the fact that they can do things for themselves.
The production also includes some tap dancing. It's a production that wants to get the message across that there are single, self-sufficient, successful females out there who are capable of anything.
"The main message in the piece is to give men a wake-up call. Some men don't take their responsibilities seriously and these women are saying that they are in charge and are in power to do it, and even better."
This show, explains Seleke-Mokoto, was self-funded. Something that does not bother him, as he always gets a good response to his work and it always means more exposure.
Although most of his old work does well, Seleke-Mokoto likes to write at least one new piece every year. "I'm working on something really hot at the moment. I was supposed to have it ready for Grahamstown this year, but I'm still busy with it."
Look out for Seleke-Mokoto's work next month, you will not be disappointed.