Behind the scenes of the big production
A lot of work goes into theatre and Asser Kauazunda is part of the team that works behind the scenes to ensure that all technical equipment is set.
Ester Kamati
Okahandja-born Asser Uakondjisa Kauazunda moved to Windhoek in 2001, where he stayed with his aunt while working as a bartender and saving to pay for his studies. He then registered at the College of the Arts in 2002 and graduated in 2005 with an Applied Art Diploma in radio production.
During his years studying, Kauazunda performed at functions such as the Unam Cultural Festival, using his stage name ‘Uakondjisa’, alongside artists such as The Dogg, Jossy Joss, Killa B and Jay C. He also completed his internship at Base FM, where he was a radio presenter as well producer for a community show and a jazz show.
As a student, he also worked at the National Theatre of Namibia as a stage hand. Not long after, he was promoted to the stage manager position on a freelance basis.
Upon completing his studies, Kauazunda underwent some training, during which he travelled between Namibia and South Africa. This allowed him to broaden his skillset in theatrical technique, first aid, industrial firefighting, sound mixing, lighting operation, stage managing, basic computer hardware, software and networking, and health and safety.
DB Audio offered Kauazunda his first job as lighting technician before he was promoted to head the lighting department. Kauazunda worked at DB Audio for eight years and in 2013, he received an offer from NTN to be their lighting engineer. In 2016, he took up his current position as technical coordinator after acting as the technical manager at NTN for six months.
As the technical coordinator, he oversees the design, planning, preparation and execution of lighting, sound and other technical equipment for productions of the theatre. He also advises the director or producer and is responsible for ensuring that equipment is maintained and ready for production.
Since primary school, Kauazunda has always been artistic. He was a general captain for the Herero cultural group of Eden Primary School during his time there and was generally known as an entertainer during his school years.
At COTA, there were many subjects introduced but Kauazunda always chose to work behind the scenes, saying that the equipment makes him more creative. Kauazunda appreciates the group of people who inspire and push him to excel in the creative career that he is in.
Kauazunda’s hobbies include travelling and hiking, but he mostly enjoys spending time with his family, which consists of his wife and three beautiful daughters. He loves learning new things and advises young people to always be open minded and not shy away from learning a new skill. Another important word of advice that he provides is to dream big and believe in yourself. Excelling in the arts requires passion, respect and creativity as well as flexibility, according to Kauazunda, who says that his technical expertise also helps him to excel in his career.
Okahandja-born Asser Uakondjisa Kauazunda moved to Windhoek in 2001, where he stayed with his aunt while working as a bartender and saving to pay for his studies. He then registered at the College of the Arts in 2002 and graduated in 2005 with an Applied Art Diploma in radio production.
During his years studying, Kauazunda performed at functions such as the Unam Cultural Festival, using his stage name ‘Uakondjisa’, alongside artists such as The Dogg, Jossy Joss, Killa B and Jay C. He also completed his internship at Base FM, where he was a radio presenter as well producer for a community show and a jazz show.
As a student, he also worked at the National Theatre of Namibia as a stage hand. Not long after, he was promoted to the stage manager position on a freelance basis.
Upon completing his studies, Kauazunda underwent some training, during which he travelled between Namibia and South Africa. This allowed him to broaden his skillset in theatrical technique, first aid, industrial firefighting, sound mixing, lighting operation, stage managing, basic computer hardware, software and networking, and health and safety.
DB Audio offered Kauazunda his first job as lighting technician before he was promoted to head the lighting department. Kauazunda worked at DB Audio for eight years and in 2013, he received an offer from NTN to be their lighting engineer. In 2016, he took up his current position as technical coordinator after acting as the technical manager at NTN for six months.
As the technical coordinator, he oversees the design, planning, preparation and execution of lighting, sound and other technical equipment for productions of the theatre. He also advises the director or producer and is responsible for ensuring that equipment is maintained and ready for production.
Since primary school, Kauazunda has always been artistic. He was a general captain for the Herero cultural group of Eden Primary School during his time there and was generally known as an entertainer during his school years.
At COTA, there were many subjects introduced but Kauazunda always chose to work behind the scenes, saying that the equipment makes him more creative. Kauazunda appreciates the group of people who inspire and push him to excel in the creative career that he is in.
Kauazunda’s hobbies include travelling and hiking, but he mostly enjoys spending time with his family, which consists of his wife and three beautiful daughters. He loves learning new things and advises young people to always be open minded and not shy away from learning a new skill. Another important word of advice that he provides is to dream big and believe in yourself. Excelling in the arts requires passion, respect and creativity as well as flexibility, according to Kauazunda, who says that his technical expertise also helps him to excel in his career.
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