Resident Performers

Alan Parker

Alan began his training at Rhodes University where he specialised in physical theatre, choreography and dance culture and education, obtaining a Masters degree, with distinction, in Drama. He has worked with the company on a part-time basis since 2005 as a performer, choreographer, teacher and researcher, before taking the joint role of performer/manager in 2009. He has appeared in various First Physical productions including Gary Gordon’s “Tread”, “Go” and “Ozymandias”; Juanita Finestone’s “Monogram” and Acty Tang’s dance-film “Textures”.

As a choreographer he has presented work at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the FNB Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg, the Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience in Durban and the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in Oudtshoorn. His choreographic works with the company include “Attic Stories” (2006) for the First Physical Student Company, “The Brightness of Beige” (2007), “Between” (2007), “Ekspedisies” (2008) and “Major/Minor” (2009).

Alan has choreographed works for Acty Tang, Khomiso Productions and the Guild Theatre Dance Company, and also teaches extensively for both the company as well as the Rhodes Drama department in contemporary dance techniques, physical theatre, contact improvisation and Ashtanga yoga; and oversees the company’s community initiative, BodyForms.

Siyabulela Mbambaza

Resident Performer for First Physical Theatre Company Siya is a talented dancer and singer with performance experience in various styles including African Traditional dance, Afro-contemporary dance, Contemporary dance a nd Physical Theatre. He also plays marimba, jembe and wooden flute. He has worked in Johannesburg with Vuka Africa. In 2001 he travelled to Brazil to perform for the SA embassy from Port Elizabeth. He has also performed in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Tunisia. He has worked with the First Physical Theatre Company since 2004, teaching and performing in various productions around the country.

Thalia Laric

Resident Performer for First Physical Theatre Company Thalia graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2010 with her BMus Honours (distinction) in Choreography. She received a prestigious Andrew Mellon award for her achievements and also travelled to the University on North Carolina at Greensboro, USA, as an exchange student. Her training includes contemporary dance, ballet, release technique, yoga and contact improvisation. She has performed and presented work at the Baxter Dance Festival in Cape Town and at the Dance Transmisions Festival in Uganda. In January 2011 she began working with the First PhysicalTheatre Company, teaching and performing in various productions around the country.

Ikalafeng Tigelo

Resident Performer for First Physical Theatre Company Ikalafeng was born and raised inRustenburg in the North West Province. In 2007 hestudied Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts at the University of Witwatersrand, where he specialized in Writing(Screenwriting and Creative writing) and Physical Theatre (movement, contemporary dance, mime) under supervision of former First Physical Theatre Company member Bailey Snyman. In 2010 he was awarded a Taubie Kushlik Award for his significant contribution to creative projects. He appeared in various Wits School of Arts productions and has worked with prominent South African Choreographers and Directors. In 2010 he performed in Gregory Maqoma’s “Mind Games” and PJ Sabbaggha’s “Sexscape.” He started working for the First Physical Theatre Company as a resident performer in 2011 and is performing in various productions around the country.

Ntombizandile Nonyati

Ntombizandile was born and raised in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. In 2008 she finished her matric at Ed-U College in Port Elizabeth. She specialised in modern dance where she won several medals from the AIDT Association. She is currently teaching young kids to dance with the Amaphiko under Mrs J Buckland, and is an apprentice at the First Physical Theatre Company.