Biographies - Ellis & Bheki

About Ellis

From a very early age Ellis devoted himself to a very wide range of pursuits including painting, creating music, inventing contraptions and performing as a magician - so it is not surprising that he was described by a WEEKLY MAIL & GUARDIAN journalist as "a post-modern renaissance man".

He studied full time for nine years. Graphic design as well as painting and sculpture preceded studies in theatre which culminated in an intensive two year course in mime, movement and theatre at the renowned ECOLE JACQUES LECOQ in Paris.

Since 1992 Ellis has worked very successfully as a free-lance actor, director, painter (with 2 one-man exhibitions to date), multi-instrumental musician and composer. He has won two major awards as a film actor and has a passion to write and direct films, but his true ambition is to master the backward aerial somersault!

All of Ellis' projects show his deep South African roots and his love for his home and people.

About Bheki

Bheki Mkhwane grew up in KwaMashu Township. Poor, street-wise and a formidable football player, he was inspired by the legendary Gibson Kente to become an actor. His youth did not stop him from forming many amateur township theatre groups so, by the time he met Ellis, he was already a skillful performer with great passion and energy.

From street-wise to worldly-wise, Bheki's great range as an actor has enabled him to work with major theatre companies (encompassing a range of plays from Shakespeare to Athol Fugard), host television shows, work as a film actor, develop his superb talent as a story teller and so tour the world with his own work.

Bheki's combination of Zulu chic and urban sass means that he is not only a role model for many young people, but is shortly to enter the race for future president of South Africa!