Thami AkaMbongo Manzana: As a public figure, your words carry significant weight, and while your integrity is commendable…

Dear Wiseman,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to begin by expressing my utmost respect for you, your craft, and the significant strides you’ve made in the acting industry.

Your talent has undoubtedly inspired many, and your contributions to the arts are deeply valued.

Having come across your recent social media post about acting workshops, I felt compelled to share my thoughts—not as a challenge to your perspective but as an opportunity to broaden the discussion on this topic.

You raised an important point about the limitations of teaching acting in 2–3 days compared to years of formal study.

However, I believe this perspective, while valid in certain contexts, risks being misunderstood or misinterpreted by aspiring artists who may look up to you.

Let me explain.

Across South Africa and the world, Masterclasses have become a highly respected and effective format for training in various fields, including acting.

These are not designed to replace formal education but to provide aspiring artists with insights, techniques, and motivation that can be life-changing, even in a single day.

Many established actors, directors, and producers—both locally and globally—offer such Masterclasses to impart knowledge that is practical and impactful.

While you mentioned being open to discussions or conversations, it seems there might be a misunderstanding about the nature of “classes.”

 Masterclasses are not about compressing three years of intensive study into a few days. They are about sharing tools, experiences, and key principles in a condensed format that can spark growth and direction for budding talent.

It’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone has the means to attend formal acting schools for three years. For many, these shorter workshops are a gateway to discovering their potential, learning foundational skills, and understanding the realities of the industry.

Your statement, while undoubtedly well-intentioned, might discourage someone with limited resources or time from exploring this pathway.

I also understand that not all actors are comfortable with teaching, and that’s perfectly valid. But it’s worth noting that some of your colleagues excel at offering meaningful 1–3 day sessions because they’ve tailored their methods to fit that format. Just as not everyone can teach effectively in a classroom for years, not everyone is skilled at condensing knowledge for shorter workshops.

As a public figure, your words carry significant weight, and while your integrity is commendable, I urge caution in making statements that might inadvertently undermine the efforts of others who are successfully offering these types of workshops.

We all contribute to the growth of the industry in different ways, and diverse approaches can coexist to benefit aspiring actors.

Your willingness to engage in discussions about acting is a testament to your passion for the craft, and I respect that deeply.

I hope you will also consider the value of other forms of learning that, while different from traditional study, can still be incredibly impactful for those seeking to enter the acting world.

Thank you for opening this dialogue. I have no doubt that your influence will continue to inspire both current and future generations of artists.

Warm regards,
Thami AkaMbongo Manzana

Thami AkaMbongo Manzana
thami@akambongo.co.za
AkaMbongo Foundation Pty Ltd
http://www.akambongo.co.za

Disclaimer: Artslink.co.za encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views published do not necessarily represent the views of Artslink.co.za.

Thami AkaMbongo Manzana writes on his personal capacity.