Born in Bloemfontein and raised in the rural area of Flakfontein, Lebo Wa ha Leisa's early life was shaped by the stories and folktales shared by her grandmother around the fireside. These tales, accompanied by songs and indigenous games, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and its role in holding communities together. Her upbringing has had a lasting impact on her work as a storyteller.
As the managing director of Thope Produxions, Wa ha Leisa's days are filled with a mix of creative and administrative tasks. She writes scripts, poetry, and songs, pitches ideas, drafts proposals, and curates festivals, among other responsibilities. Her work is driven by a strong sense of accountability, which she believes is essential for building trust in the arts. This approach has enabled her to assemble a team and direct rehearsals with confidence.
Wa ha Leisa's creative output is diverse and impressive, spanning theatre, film, radio, and the written word. Her projects, such as Arabang, a theatre work confronting gender-based violence, and Kutlwano Can You Hear Me Now, which trains young deaf artists in film, demonstrate her commitment to using storytelling as a tool for social change. Her writing credits include work for Monyaka on Lesedi FM, a popular radio show.
Wa ha Leisa's achievements have been recognized through various awards and accolades, including the 2019 Sesotho Literary Award and the establishment of the Camagu Colloquium and Theatre and Dance Festival. Her work has also been shared in international settings, such as Belgium, London, and Paris. These accomplishments are a testament to her innovative approach to storytelling and its impact on audiences.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Wa ha Leisa draws inspiration from her personal life and relationships. Her children, a 14-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son, motivate her to build a lasting legacy. She also credits her mother, who entered an adult education classroom at 40, as a source of inspiration. Her mother's determination to pursue education despite cultural obstacles has had a lasting impact on Wa ha Leisa's approach to life and work.
Wa ha Leisa's passion for storytelling is also reflected in her community-driven initiatives, such as the African folklores and storytelling festival Diqi, which she founded, and Nala, a film development and training programme for women, which she co-founded. These projects demonstrate her commitment to empowering others through the arts and promoting social change.
When not working, Wa ha Leisa enjoys cooking, training at the gym, and traveling. She describes herself as gentle until a door refuses to open, at which point a warrior queen rises. This duality reflects her approach to life and work, which balances creativity and determination with a strong sense of purpose and conviction.
Key points
- Lebo Wa ha Leisa's work is driven by a strong sense of accountability and a commitment to using storytelling as a tool for social change.
- Her creative output spans theatre, film, radio, and the written word, and includes projects such as Arabang and Kutlwano Can You Hear Me Now.
- Wa ha Leisa's achievements have been recognized through various awards and accolades, including the 2019 Sesotho Literary Award.
