The Pulse of Africa: Echoes from the South

The Pulse of Africa: Echoes from the South is more than just a community theatre production - it's a celebration of culture, rhythm, dance, song and storytelling. 

This vibrant showcase will transport audiences straight to the heart of Southern Africa. From the bustling cities to the sweeping savannahs, from spirited townships to roaring stadiums. 

This production is created to proudly show off the very talented members of our community.

All funds raised will go towards putting this community project on stage by paying for the venue, creating costumes and creating props and staging to make this the showstopper production it promises to be.  

Lizarn Swanepoel - Director, Producer and Choreographer

I am a passionate creative, with over 25 years of experience in performance, choreography and production. I have a superior history of engaging performance and choreography with knowledge of various dance styles and theatre productions such as musical theatre, cabaret, showcases, extravaganzas and other.
What I love most about directing or choreographing is seeing the growth in the cast throughout the creative process, seeing a vision come alive and experiencing the excitement of the finished project.

Michelle Alloway-Gray - Assistant Producer and Stage Manager 
With a lifelong affection for singing, dancing, and acting—if not always the execution—I was irresistibly drawn into the world of community theatre. My path began not on stage, but beside it, as a proud “theatre mom” armed with a trusty needle and a knack for costuming. Over the years, my behind-the-scenes passion flourished, stitched together by late nights, laughter, and a love for storytelling in all its forms. Thanks to the generous faith and trust of our director, I'm thrilled to step once again into the role of Assistant Producer and Stage Manager. It’s my joy and privilege to help bring each production to life—not just under the lights, but in the quiet magic of preparation. Here’s to making memories, building theatre magic, and helping everyone shine—on stage and off.

Vocal Direction - Jayne Delcarme, also known as “Bling"

Bling comes from a musical family and has 30+ years of public singing experience. She’s been a member of the Auckland Gospel Choir for 13 years and performed with a covers band for 7 years. Jayne has starred in two New Zealand productions of Hairspray and currently works as a vocal and performance coach for online competitions. What Pulse of Africa – Echoes of the South Means to Her: Bling is proud and excited to represent her South African heritage in Aotearoa through this powerful production. Her focus is on strong vocal delivery, authentic expression, and stage presence, blending African roots with contemporary performance.

Geo Tughushi - Percussion Specialist

Geo’s journey as a drummer and percussionist is woven with rhythm and passion, shaped by the beats of his childhood and the legacy of his family’s musical traditions. From a young age, music wasn’t just a pastime—it was the heartbeat of his existence, an ever-present force guiding him toward his true calling. Born and raised in Georgia, Geo was surrounded by melodies and harmonies. His family, a vibrant collective of musicians, instilled in him the technical skill of playing and a deep, almost spiritual connection to music. For Geo, drumming became more than just an instrument—it became his language, expression, and way of speaking when words fell short. Through every thundering cymbal crash and the snare's steady pulse, Geo began to understand the power of music to move people. It wasn’t enough to play the notes. For him, the essence of drumming lies in its ability to evoke emotion, to create a space where the listener is transported to a different world—a world where rhythms tell stories, express feelings, and bridge divides. As he grew, his love for percussion deepened. From childhood jam sessions in his family’s home to performing on stage, Geo honed his craft with dedication and a constant thirst for growth. His technique evolved, but his mission remained the same: to use his music as a conduit for connection. Now, as a seasoned artist, Geo's drumming is defined by its intensity and authenticity. His connection to the music is palpable whether playing in a high-energy live performance or a more intimate setting. He’s not just playing rhythms; he’s breathing life into them, channelling emotions, and creating an unforgettable experience for those who listen. For Geo, drumming isn’t just what he does—it’s who he is. It’s his story, his heartbeat, and the most profound way he knows how to express the depth of his soul.

Dance Captian - Courtney Gray

Courtney is thrilled to be serving as Dance Captain for this production of Pulse of Africa.  With a background rooted in musical theatre and performance, she has trained extensively in a wide range of dance styles, including jazz, ballet, and contemporary, and tap. She brings both technical precision and storytelling to every movement. Her theatre journey includes lead, features and ensemble on stage, and she has worked across a variety of productions both as a performer and creative. Courtney has also spent time teaching and mentoring young performers, focusing on building confidence, character connection, and clean, expressive choreography. What drew her to Pulse of Africa was its unique blend of movement, emotion, and community. She’s passionate about helping each cast member feel connected to the choreography and confident in their performance. As Dance Captain, Courtney is committed to maintaining the integrity of the choreography throughout the run and creating a supportive, positive environment for the entire cast.

Janice  O'Neill - Production Assistant  

Janice is originally from Scotland. She moved to New Zealand in 2006. With no acting background in her home country, she discovered the world of theatre later in life, but it quickly became a passion. Singing, writing children’s stories, and composing poetry have long been creative outlets for her, and theatre soon joined that list. Her stage debut was in early 2021 as part of the ensemble in Unbreakable, marking the beginning of her journey in performance. She later took on the memorable role of Miss Gulch, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West, showcasing her flair for character acting. Though her theatre history is still growing, Janice is known for her dedication, energy, and love of the stage. She’s thrilled to be involved in The Pulse of Africa, a production that celebrates the rich, power of traditional African music. She believes its rhythm and spirit can draw you in and move you in unexpected ways. She continues to find joy in being part of the theatre world whether on stage or off, and is grateful for every opportunity to bring stories to life.

All funds raised will go towards the following:

• Rental of venues namely rehearsal spaces and performance venue
• Costuming and props
• Advertising and printing requirements
• Technical and sound requirements
• Song and music rights
• Backing tracks and visual displays

Born and bred in South Africa, I have deep roots still left behind in the African Continent. A continent so vast, diverse in culture, people and landscapes that you cannot but fall in love with its essence and heart. 

The Pulse of Africa: Echoes from the South is more than just a community theatre production—it's a celebration of culture, rhythm, and storytelling, brought to life by an incredibly talented team of local creatives from Auckland’s North Shore.

This vibrant showcase will transport audiences straight to the heart of Southern Africa, where the beat of the drum, the power of song, and the magic of movement come together in a dazzling display of talent and tradition. From the bustling cities to the sweeping savannahs, from spirited townships to roaring stadiums—this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

This production promises to make people feel and experience the Soul and Pulse of Africa.

The Pulse of Africa: Echoes from the South is close to my heart. It speaks of deep rooted traditions, culture and the passions, music, song and dance that brings a nation together.

Being a migrant, and living in a very diverse community which is vastly occupied by migrants, is what creates the drive in me to make this a massive success, touching peoples hearts on many different levels and stirring in them a sense of pride around their own roots and beginnings. 

I have the opportunity as a performing artist and creative to put a production on stage that will speak to people, pluck at their heartstrings, make them feel something, whilst entertaining them through a passionate display of talent. 

I have the passion, talent and drive to create this unforgettable production, but I need the community's help to make it a reality.