Bongani Hlope

Bongani Hlope (1960-) is an actor.

Biography

Born in Kwa-Mashu, north of Durban, in June, 1960, where he attended local schools and began his career as actor in 1976, appearing in school productions. In 1981 he moved to Umlazi Township, where he continued appearing in the odd play, before securing a short-lived job with Hyper-Marina in 1982, making boats and working as a moulder. Having lost the job in 1983, he then met Mbongeni Ngema who - on hearing of his aspirations as actor - invited him to join the Committed Artists company.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

1976: His first stage role was in the school production of Mgenzeni

1977-1978?: He had a role in Usizi by Dumisani Mahlaba (playing a priest)

1979: He appeared in Unomzamo by Thamsanqa Khumalo and Dumisani Mahlaba.

1981: He played a "tsotsi" in Ngiyazisa by Mthandeni Mchunu

1983-1984: He became a member of Committed Artists and helped develop and acted in Asinamali by Mbongeni Ngema.

Sources

Market Theatre programme for Asinamali, 1985.

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