The Dumisani Masilela Theatre became the epicentre of a revolutionary moment as the ACT Smart Theatre officially launched, making history as Africa’s first-ever smart theatre! This ground-breaking initiative is set to transform the creative industry, integrating cutting-edge technology with the performing arts to propel artists into the digital future.
The electrifying event was masterfully directed by Vusi Mdakane from the Ekurhuleni Arts and Culture Department. Setting the stage for an unforgettable experience, the evening opened with a breath-taking rendition of the National Anthem by the sensational Nonhlanhla Khumalo, whose golden voice sent shivers through the audience. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the local ward councillor extended a warm welcome, celebrating this unprecedented innovation. He also expressed deep appreciation for the theatre’s role in reshaping the artistic landscape and acknowledged the presence of the MMC of Human Settlements from the City of Ekurhuleni, who attended on behalf of the MMC for Arts and Culture.
Taking the stage with great enthusiasm, the MMC of Human Settlements delivered a powerful speech on behalf of his colleague, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of this initiative. He highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic had fast-tracked the need for digital transformation, pushing artists to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The ACT Smart Theatre stands as a beacon of innovation, spearheaded by the visionaries Nontuthuzelo Simpambo and Pasca Dube. This bold venture has been made possible through the support of the City of Ekurhuleni with the Arts & Culture Trust in partnership with Soda World and the Creative industries Incubator funded by the Department of Sports Arts and Culture. AI companies and tech giants are also invited to join as key stakeholders in revolutionizing the creative sector. . However, the journey is just beginning! Calls for further sponsorships and partnerships remain open, ensuring that this initiative reaches every artist in townships and rural areas. AI companies and tech giants are also invited to join as key stakeholders in revolutionizing the creative sector
Jessica Denyschen, the dynamic CEO of the Arts & Culture Trust organization, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing that this initiative is not just about technology—it’s about empowerment! She painted a vivid picture of a future where artists collaborate seamlessly through digital platforms, perform on global stages in real-time, and unlock limitless opportunities through streaming services. This is more than a theatre; it’s a movement that will elevate African storytelling, celebrate cultural heritage, and place local creatives on the world map!
The excitement continued with an eye-opening workshop by Vuyani Bila from Writers Lab Pretoria, where he unravelled the magic of screenwriting for aspiring filmmakers. His captivating session explored film history, instructional techniques, and the foundational “What If” approach to storytelling. Participants didn’t just learn—they created! They crafted 15-minute scripts, dived into character development, and mastered the art of pitching their ideas to investors and funding bodies. The energy in the room was electric as they saw their stories come to life.
As the event reached its climax, testimonials from thrilled participants like Fogi Mokalapa, Nompumelelo Ndlovu, and Muzi showcased just how life-changing the ACT Smart Theatre is. They spoke passionately about how artificial intelligence has given them “superpowers”—allowing them to multitask, manage time more effectively, and access vast reservoirs of information. Most importantly, AI has redefined their artistic journey, helping them grow as entrepreneurs in an industry that is now more dynamic than ever.
The ACT Smart Theatre launch wasn’t just another event—it was a defining moment for Africa’s creative industry! By blending art with technology, this pioneering initiative is set to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that African artists are not just part of the digital age but leading the charge. The future of performance is here, and it is breathtakingly SMART!