GCINA MHLOPHE-BECHER’S SOUTH AFRICAN STORIES AT SM

            

           Young and young at heart Filipinos will have the rare opportunity to see storytelling South African style as Gcina Mhlophe-Becher performs her remarkable narration, acting, and storytelling skills at the SM Supermalls this February.

            In this joint project between the South African Embassy and the SM Supermalls, Gcina will treat mallgoers to her award winning performances on Sunday, February 20 at 2:00 PM at the 18th Travel Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center and at 4:00 PM at the Second Floor of the Entertainment Wing at the SM Mall of Asia. She will weave her storytelling magic on Monday, February 21 at 11:00 AM at SM City Pampanga and at 3:00 PM at SM City Clark.

            South Africa’s favorite teller of tales has had an extraordinary professional career and her achievements have had a profound impact on South African culture, arts, and heritage. Dedicated to preserving the art of storytelling as a means of keeping history alive, as well as to encourage and motivate children to read Gcina has been writing and performing on stage and on screen for more than twenty years.

            By learning stories, we learn to communicate and say what we mean,” Gcina says in an interview with Leila Summers. “One of the reasons I love telling stories to young people is to encourage them to use words and language.  Stories are a way of bonding the family, and yes, storytelling is healing.”

            Gcina adds that “stories opens doors. It is trans-gender, trans-ages, trans-generations, trans-cultures, and trans-religions.  And that is very empowering.” Her reason for traveling the world to share her storytelling skills? “I tell stories in order to wake up stories in other people,” she says.  “Every living being has a story to tell.”

            Inspired by her storytelling grandmother, she has earned her renown in poetry and storytelling since 1979; and has won 34 awards in publications and writing, as well as literature, storytelling, and her promotion of African culture.  She is also a theater actress, and has won awards for her stage performances in New York, Chicago, Edinburgh, and Africa

            Don’t miss Gcina Mhlophe-Becher’s unforgettable storytelling performances on February 20 at the SMX Convention Center and the SM Mall of Asia; and on February 21 at SM City Pampanga and SM City Clark.