Wilma's big role in 'I am an African'

[caption id="attachment_35118" align="alignright" width="250"] NURTURING TALENT: Wilma Anthony. Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN[/caption]

A TEACHER whose love for the creative arts has touched the lives of Algoa Park primary school children for two decades, is just days away from her most ambitious production – I am an African. Diaz Primary School art and culture teacher Wilma Brisley-Anthony, who never had children herself, has given her working life to loving and nurturing her pupils' talent, even writing the annual school production.

"When I wrote the script I wanted the show to be a celebration of our 20 years of democracy, touching on all that Nelson Mandela stood for," Brisley-Anthony said.

Although she majored in piano, Brisley-Anthony prefers teaching to performing: "I am actually very shy, I am not a performer. Give me the kids and I will work magic. "And besides, playing an instrument limits one, while drama gives you a chance to sing, act and perhaps use an instrument as a prop – bringing the entire package all together."

The cast has also increased from 80 to 120 pupils. "In the 20 years I've been in the school I have grown very close with them [the pupils]. They are such an enthusiastic bunch!" She said the greatest lesson she hoped the children took from her classes and drama as an extra mural activity, was "maintaining balance".

"They know they have to put in an equal amount of effort in their extra murals – just as much as their academics. It is always nice to see that my lessons broaden the learners' career scope. They realise there are a lot more careers out there."

Former pupil Andiswa Makana has made it as a opera singer in Germany and is among the successes Brisley-Anthony is most proud of. Brisley-Anthony started out as a school choir-teacher years ago, then went on to produce annual Christmas plays, a 2010 Soccer World Cup celebration production, as well The Wondrous Cross, a passion play which was performed at a city-wide conference for 600 people, before producing and directing  I am an African,  which premiered last year.

The Pretoria born 51-year-old, who lives in Bluewater Bay, grew up in an artistic family. Her mother, Renee Brisley is a well-known art teacher.

I am an African will be staged at the Athenaeum's Little Theatre next week on Thursday and Friday.

With the assistance of NMMU music education graduate Akhona Mkumanda, dance choreography by Kareen Breytenbach, as well as promotional support from Jean and Louise Greyling, Brisley-Anthony said the production had improved. - Balisa Ntloko

• ýFor tickets contact Diaz Primary School on (041)452-1211 or Louise Greyling on 083-440-6784 or e-mail rainbowhut@worldonline.co.za