artsINSIDEOUT at 14: One Woman’s Story of Courage

Amahle (left) and Bernard (center), artsINSIDEOUT Stage Management students, with Arts Ignite/artsINSIDEOUT Teaching Artist Cindy

Just a few weeks ago, we finished the 14th artsINSIDEOUT arts intensive at Nkosi’s Haven in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since 2011, Arts Ignite Teaching Artists have led a summer program for the Haven’s 130 residents, ages 2-65, comprising mothers and children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and victims of gender-based violence. As we reflect on 14 amazing years, we wanted to share the inspiring story of someone that’s been with us almost since the beginning – a courageous young woman named Amahle:

An Extraordinary Moment

Standing at the back of the theater, Amahle and Cindy had their fingers crossed, not quite sure what would happen next. Amahle had all of two weeks of Stage Management experience, and had never called a dance by herself. Cindy, an experienced Stage Management Professor, believed in Amahle, but nonetheless stayed by her side to step in if needed.

Both women’s fears subsided as the first dance piece, part of artsINSIDEOUT’s 2023 culminating performance, began. Cindy soon realized that she could step back entirely, letting Amahle take full control. Watching the young woman lead with the tenacity of someone much more experienced, she knew the risk had been worth it.

Amahle, exhilarated by the success, felt like she had found a calling. Now in her early twenties, she has spent most of her life in Nkosi’s Haven. Though she’s participated in artsINSIDEOUT since she was seven or eight, being on stage often conflicted with her introverted nature.

As such, Amahle, who typically prefers reading books to the spotlight, gravitated towards Stage Management in 2022. She embraced the challenges from the get-go, and quickly stood out. Though Amahle tended to underestimate herself, Cindy’s encouragement and mentorship gave her confidence.

Three years later, Amahle’s transformation has been immense. Cindy says that she continues to grow into herself, find her voice, and become a positive role model for the other students. This year, she called more dance pieces by herself, but with the assurance that she had done it before. Amahle now helps lead artsINSIDEOUT’s Stage Management classes, corralling the other participants though they may not always want to listen.

In addition to confidence, Amahle says that Stage Management has developed her communication, organization, and leadership skills. She finds the Haven’s teenagers, often stubborn at first, the most challenging group to work with, but also the most rewarding once they open up. While she doesn’t know what the future holds, she hopes the Stage Management will stay with her throughout her life.