Set in Ngoro-Ngoro, Tanzania, Ndito is a story of a little girl's life in Africa.
It is about dreams, courage, determination and a little git of attitude.
On her journey to fulfill her life long dream of meeting her favorite birds. The Marabous, Peacock and Flamingos, Ndito is faced with many obstacles.
First, she must sing in concert with the rain. Then she must go past the hut of Mama Yeyo a very old lone crone feared by all. She says things that really come true. Mama Yeyo sits in her doorway everyday and night, waiting for her death that never comes soon enough. At least that's what all the other villagers think.
Then Ndito must go past the hut of Mzee a very old man with no hair, no bottom, nor teeth and with very compelling eyes. He would always talk to his imaginary friend, dance with the mud crabs and the big toads and make everybody passing join in.
On the other side of the valley, Ndito must pass a set of mysterious umbilical twins, who like monkeys, would bunch up together on top of a tree and throw rotten fruits to anyone going past. Lastly Ndito must go past a mysterious character called "Dot" who, for years now, has knocked down to the ground many of the passing villagers great and small.
Ndito, in her unusual manner, negotiates her way through each obstacle. In the end she does not only fulfill her dream but her beautiful tunes make her "The Princess of the Jingle Animal's Paradise".
Ndito the Masai Girl story is educational, entertaining and spell binding.
Sheela was born and spent her childhood in Tanzania where she left to study in Sweden and the US qualifying as a Lawyer and a Teacher. Now residing in Adelaide she continues to pursure her hectic lifestyle as a writer, dancer, actor, wife and mother to her children.
A well renowned artist who writes and performs her own plays based on the beautiful African culture, She has been in the Arts industry since childhood and done practically everything as her biography will reveal.
Her work has captivated millions of audiences, those who have seen her continue to invite her back year after year. Her style of writing has been described as unique; Her talents have mesmerized many-
Some critics have described her as a "Sheer Theatrical Magic"
Her high energy on stage has left many in awe. Her desirable looks continue to envoke interests from both media and audiences around the globe.
This is only the beginning of the story...
An internationally renowned playwright and performer, dedicated to professionalism, discipline, punctuality and perfection. A proficient team leader with ability to captivate and evoke audience's interest both in text and on stage, persistent in achieving the best.
Born and grew up in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. She was educated in Tanzania; she received her further education in Sweden where she studied law.
Sheela has worked in Sweden, Tanzania, USA, Canada, Estonia, Finland,
Greece, Ireland, India and Japan.
She has appeared in numerous television commercials in Scandinavia and Australia, in particular the Christian TV commercial, "Dance Celebrates Life" and in the State Bank Credit commercial.
For a number of years Sheela has presented African dance classes to adults and pre-schoolers. In 1994 she worked with a group of 15 women to present a program of dance in North Adelaide.
At the 1996 Adelaide 'Fringe' festival, Sheela in conjunction with the two
other women presented 'Ndelawasi' a dance/drama production she had
written and choreographed herself which dealt with the special issues of
woman's sexuality in an African village.
In October 1997 Sheela spent 10 days with the Jamestown Primary School working with students to create their own productions of drama, dance and design. Based on water an important issue in northern South Australian farming communities. A pubic performance was presented by the students and was received with much acclaim.
Achievements
Written 25 theatre plays for major international festivals, conferences.
"One of the most influential Africans in Australia"- Africans in Australia
Has appeared in films and commercials in Europe, Africa and Australia.
Speaks seven languages. Writes and performs in three.
Presented 1900 school and community performances around Australia.
Produced a CD "Chants of my life"
Written "Under the Red Jacaranda"- book to be made into film / CD.
Currently Writing Stage and Radio Performances With the following: -
Bilgesu Erenus- Turkey
Margareta Skantze- Sweden
Annika Olmquist
Maria Caps- Greece
Mira Buljan - Zagrib
Sandra Shotlander- Australia
Jane Liddiard- England
Helen Shay- England
Acting History
Films
1997 Ebbtide - Australia
1990 The Ultra Man - Australia
1998 Sally Marshall is not an Alien - Australia
1983 Mlevi - Tanzania
1983 Dying Dandy - Sweden
Commercials
1997 Red Head Matchboxes - Australia
1996 State Bank Credit Card - Australia
1993 Dance Celebrates Life - Australia
Plays Written
2001 Maija (Radio Drama)
2001 The Door
2000 Chants of my Life
2000 The Face of a Rose
1999 Luc the Undertaker
1998 Mountains pf my Childhood
1998 Bomas of Africa
1998 Bandia- The Cammolourge
1998 Pendo- Another Womans Child
1997 Water Magic
1997 Going Alone (Anthology)
1997 Halima Goes Home
1996 The Poinsiana Tree
1996 Reheme- If only I knew
1995 Amandina
1995 Ndelawsi
1995 The Childhood Scare
1994 Majia "A Life"
1994 Maija of Chaggaland
1991 Kijuka The little Farmer
1991 The Clay Boy
1990 Tunda
1990 Ndito The Masai Girl
1989 When I was Young (Co Author)
1989 Shriek (Co Author)