Namhla Blou

Senior Stage Manager

 

Namhla Blou is a Cape Town-based lighting designer, stage manager, and performing arts technician. Working at the intersection of African storytelling, adaptive lighting design, and live performance technology, her work explores how light can serve as both a narrative and ritualistic element in performance. Her professional practice spans theatre, dance, music, and film across South Africa’s major performance venues.

Blou is currently developing her research into adaptive lighting systems for live performance, focusing on sensor-based technologies and creative tools such as TouchDesigner and Notch to create immersive, responsive environments. Her interests also include sustainable lighting design and the role of light in African ritual and community practices. She has contributed technical and creative expertise to acclaimed productions such as Dave Chappelle Live Comedy Show, Cinderella the ballet, AM I FREE, The Return of the Ancestors, Sophiatown, Rhinoceros, and Freedom the Musical, and has worked with musicians like Zonke, Zoë Modiga, and Sibongile Khumalo on live and recorded performances.

In addition to her creative work, Blou is the Senior Stage Manager at the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies (CTDPS). In this role, she manages the planning, coordination, and execution of student productions, while also mentoring students in technical theatre practices, stage management, and production design. She also works closely with academic staff and guest creatives to ensure each performance is professionally realized, while nurturing a collaborative, educational production environment.

Blou holds a Baccalaureus Technologiae degree in Performing Arts Technology from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she specialized in lighting design for film and live performance.

 

Education

  • BTech, Performing Arts Technology, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

 

Selected Work

  • Lighting Designer, AM I FREE, Market Theatre & South African State Theatre
  • Stage Manager, Sophiatown, Soweto Theatre
  • Lighting Designer & AV Tech, The Return of the Ancestors, Market Theatre
  • Follow Spot Operator, Freedom the Musical
  • Art Director, ZULUBOY’s 10% (Short Film)
  • Dimmer Operator, Rogue (Feature Film)