Seamstress finds gap in theatre costumes
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday April 30, 2015 15:22
Opelo ‘Seamstress’ Letshwiti is not only a designer, but also a spoken word artist whose love for art made her realise the gap that few have tried to venture into.
Her latest range of costumes was used during the Maitisong Festival by different productions, which included the official opening night acts, and the X production by Sky Blue Dance Hub.
“Clearly I have found a home in theatre and I am enjoying every moment,” said Letshwiti who believes that her Bohemian and Gypsy lifestyle plays a huge role when it comes to designing stage costumes.
“It allows me to come up with creative concepts for the costumes,” she added.
She said that through the instructions from the stage director she gets direction on how the costumes should look considering certain elements in relation to the characters and scenes.
The home taught seamstress who has a degree in Computer Network told Arts & Culture that the recent costumes she made for Sky Blue Dance Hub were a bit of a challenge because she had never worked on them.
“It was a bit of a challenge because dance has a lot of movement, which requires the dancer to be flexible when moving,” said the 24-year-old Letshwiti.
Sky Blue Dance Hub costumes left a number of people in the audience pleased as they related with the X storyline.
“X was about mystery and secrets so I had to choose materials with different prints that could make dancers hide behind their secrets,” stated the seamstress.
She mentioned that costume designing has opened doors for her and created a number of opportunities that she used to dream about.
Her greatest opportunity was working with creative director Moratiwa Molema who has been one of her advisors.
As one of the few costume designers in the country, Letshwiti has a wish that more tailors and designers would join her and create a legacy that will live forever.
On a ordinary day Letshwiti designs outfits for her different clients. She has also managed to grab attention on the international market. She has clients in Brooklyn New York that purchase her outfits time and again.
She designs a variety of outfits that range from shirts, T-shirts, trousers and blouses.
The Seamstress is currently at Tlokweng Brigade advancing her skills as a tailor.
She also has skills in craft and bead making. As a spoken word artist she has also featured in a number of poetry events.