Walter Chakela biography: Walter Chakela death, obituary

Walter Chakela biography, death, obituary: Founding President OF NWASA, Nana Kefuoe Walter Chakela died May 2020.

The March Theatre announced Walter Chakela death in a statement that read:

It is with sadness to hear about the passing of ntate Walter Chakela.

He was a playwright, a poet, a theatrical director, and chief executive officer and artistic director of the Windybrow Centre for the Arts in Johannesburg.

He has written twenty-two plays and directed many others. This interview was conducted by Nic Paget-Clarke, August 30, 2002, at the time of the United Nations World.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Walter Chakela biography: Walter Chakela death, obituary

Please say a prayer for the family and friends as you read the tributes below.

 

Ismail Mahomed
RIP … Walter Chakela!
For many of us who had no access to formal theatre spaces before 1994 Walter Chakela was a pioneering figure who opened up the doors to the Windybrow Arts Centre when he was the Chief Executive Director and Artistic Director of the Centre from 1993 to 2004.

Walter Chakela was a prolific playwright, a poet and theatre director. He has written twenty-two plays and directed many others. His annual production of the adaptation of Bessie Head’s MARU for the stage gave thousands of township students access to theatre.

Whilst he was passionately interested in advancing more opportunities in the performing arts for young Black artists and audiences he was also determined to develop the Centre as a space for intellectual thought and dialogue on African literature.

During his tenure artists and audiences at the Windybrow Arts Centre were introduced to the literary works of Keorapetse Kgositsile, Dennis Brutus, Robert Earl Price, Amiri Baraka and Nadine Gordimer amongst several others.

Last year, he was a key figure in the establishment of the National Writers Association of South Africa (NWASA).

Walter Chakela was the recipient of Ghana’s prestigious Nana Award for his contribution to the advancement of African literature.

In his recent years, his health had taken a down-turn when he survived a stroke. Too often when African legends die we say that a boabab has fallen. It is quite fair to imagine a landscape of boabab’s having fallen with Walter Chakela’s passing. May his soul Rest In Peace.

WALTER KEFUOE CHAKELA!
REST IN PEACE!

In 1996 after he saw my play; SHEILA’S DAY at the arts Festival in Grahamstown, Walter Chakela challenged me.

The challenge came from him accusing Black writers, after making it big, refusing to come and work in small spaces. I said to him that first of all I did not regard myself as having made it big, and secondly I said that I was a firm supporter of small black spaces.

He ran, at that time, the Windybrow Center for The Arts, (i think was the full name) in Hillbrow and was fighting his own battle to attract quality work.

I then said to him; Try me! He commissioned me to do a play at Windybrow, I then wrote THE GAME, and invited some of the most colorful actresses of the day.

Nomhle Nkonyeni, Baby Cele, Vanessa Jansen, Mary Twala, Suthukazi Arosi And Thandi Zulu. At the last minute Mary Twala couldn’t make it because of her commtiments, to Molo FIsh, the television production and I invited legendary singer, Sophie Mgcina, who was the vocal coach to the cast, to take over the lead part and she did.

But what for me was outstanding was that I then decided to cast a young Soweto girl in the characcter of Bhanoyi, her name was Lindiwe Chibi, 18 at that time, and she made her acting debut in THE GAME at Windybrow Theatre and the rest, as they say, is history….

The run at Windybrow, according to Chakela, back then was one of the major highlights, and we were later to take the play to Pacofs in Bloemfontein and the production is still being requested for revivals till today. But not much has changed in terms of what Chakela wanted to achieve. In fact there is no unity in the arts and not too many collaborations.

This morning I woke up to the news that Walter Chakela was no more. I would like to wish this gallant fighter a smooth and blessed transition into the hereafter and hope that those that are receiving his gentle soul should welcome him with open arms. Robala ka khotso ngoaneso!

Hopefully one day your dream of seeing black playwrights and producers working together will be realized!

Walter Chakela biography:

Once the dust has settled
I would love to share my story about Bra Walter Chakela.
For now other than being lost for words I would love to say we have lost a great man in the Arts. May his family and colleagues find strength. Rest in peace big brother, we shall forever cherish the privilege of working with you. You opened closed doors for some of us. God bless your journey to the next life my great leader. #LoloRollins

Woke up to the sad news of the passing of my dear leader, friend and a father figure in my life. Bra Walter Chakela gave me my first break in the industry, I’m so shattered, May your soul Rest In Peace Ntate Walter Chakela and thank you for everything you’ve done for me💔🙏🏾

Walter Chakela cause of death, obituary, funeral arrangement:

Walter Chakela obituary is not available at this time. We will share updates when confirmed and released and as we learn more.

Our deepest condolences and sympathy during this difficult time.

Please share what you would like to say about Walter Chakela in the comments below by leaving a kind word for friends, family and loved ones.

See sympathy gifts HERE.