Hi, I am Nomsa Tina Mavuka but I go by Nceku, I am a set and costume designer with theatre and production experience. I have an interest in exploring different mediums, such as film and creative direction. Please feel free to browse my portfolio and keep in touch if there is anything that interests you.
About Me.
I am a set and costume designer originally from Soweto, Johannesburg, but I am currently based in Makhanda, Port Elizabeth.
I was awarded the ACT DALRO Nedbank Scholarship prize for Acting in 2019 and soon after studied at The University of the Witswatersrand. I graduated with a distinction with honours in Theater and Performance having majored in Design and Writing for the stage. Further, I was awarded with the Taubie Kushlick Prize for Drama in 2023 for ‘significant contribution[s] to creative projects’. I currently work as the Head of Wardrobe at Rhodes University, facilitating the designing and making costumes for students and departmental works such as RU Game? Moreover, working collaboratively with various other departments in the university such as the Journalism Department in dressing and styling the cast for The Birthplace of African Journalism an educational documentary that explores the journalistic history of Makhanda.
Experience
Costume designer and maker
I have experience in costuming over 13 theatrical productions whilst serving as the Head of Wardrobe at Rhodes University. Most of these productions had large casts which has enabled me to work on a large scale whilst prioritising the design concept. My process often involves consultations with the director, conceptualising, rendering of sketches designs, drafting of patterns, cutting sewing and styling. My process is encompassed by research of the story and character in order to create a fully rounded costume.
Set Designer
I have been trained in set design and prop making as exemplified in the production Letter 8 to Mousai. In this production, I was tasked with conceptualising and building set for the story. I was responsible for technical renderings of the set in relation to the theatre, making of props and working alongside members of the workshop to build the set.
Contact Me
Have a question or want to learn more about my services? Feel free to reach out.