A local SABC series is striking a chord with Cape Flats mense as it tells the tales of daily life in the Athlone community.
Melody tackles social ills such as alcohol abuse, drugs, domestic violence, bullying and more.
The main character is played by 21-year-old Ravensmead meisie Kim Bowers, who makes her acting debut in this series.
“I play the character of Melody, a young woman who needs to fight for what she wants in life while caring for her family,” says Kim.
“She has an alcoholic father and an Albino brother. She has to play the role of mother, daughter and sister while still going for her dreams. Melody loves music.”
DEBUT: Kim Bowers, 21
Melody uses music to escape from her life of swaarkry and Kim says: “I love my character, she’s so fragile and unpredictable, her life is a rollercoaster.”
Kim was one of 450 young women who auditioned for the lead role last year.
“I never studied drama, after I matriculated in 2016 I did a short course on radio production and then started doing theatre for a few years at the Bridgetown Theatre Company at the Baxter, Artscape and also in our community,” says Kim.
She hopes the series will serve as an inspiration for young people on the Flats: “It would make me happy if we can at least touch or change someone’s life.
“Our stories are real and raw, it is exactly how it is in our communities and it needs a voice.”
Veteran singer Celeste Williams, 54, plays the role of Aunty Florrie, a music teacher, and also has no previous acting experience.
TEACH: Aunty Florrie
“I was intimidated at first because I was very comfortable as a musician,” says Celeste.
“I think I was quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to enter the acting world in this role because Aunty Florrie and I have many things in common.
DRAMA: Abduraghman Adams and Aya Ngobo are in the series
“Aunty Florrie is a retired musician who has returned from her work stints all over the world to teach music in her community.
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“I, of course, haven’t retired as a musician yet, but I understand Aunty Florrie’s environment.”
Melody airs on SABC2 every Tuesday at 7.30pm.
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