Some expectant mothers whose babies are diagnosed with Down syndrome terminate the pregnancy early. But there are those mothers who can’t because they know that children born with this condition can become anything they want.From a tender age Tasha has been interested in being on stage and part of the acting world.
Down syndrome is the most common occurring genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as Trisomy 21. This extra copy alters the course of development both physically and intellectually, the incidence in South Africa is 1 – 500 live births. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome. WDSD was first observed in 2006 in many countries around the world.
People with Down Syndrome can add value to the community and should be included in all aspects. An article written by the mother of our Self Advocate Tasha Oosthuizen is proof of this.Tasha Oosthuizen was born on 27 February 1999 and celebrated her 21st birthday this year.
From a tender age Tasha has been interested in being on stage and part of the acting world. She spends quite a bit of time watching her favourite soapie Binnelanders and has been doing this for a number of years. Last year she wrote to the KykNET Channel and asked if she could visit the set and meet the Binnelanders actors when she visits Pretoria.
KykNET got back to Tasha and was invited to attend one of their filming sessions. It was arranged for Tasha to go in July 2019 and visit the set in Randburg. Everyone welcomed her and then showed her around the set and she was able to watch while they were filming an episode and then they showed her around and visited the props, costume room, and saw where they read the words from and how the scenes are changed and she also met some of the actors and had her photo taken with them. Tasha was so taken with this that she says she can get used to this and would love to be on stage. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
An opportunity presented itself recently on Facebook where a movie “ Kaalgat Karel” was to be shot in and around East London and they were looking for actors and people to do cameo roles and gave details where and when auditions were to be held at Hemingways in East London in January. Tasha sent an email to Paul Egan and told him that she has Down’s syndrome and would love to be in a movie. She was invited to go along and audition. After she auditioned in front of the camera, they said they would find a cameo role for Tasha to play. She travelled to the East London Golf Club where she was part of a scene and said a few words. She will also be part of the “Silent Disco” scene which is still to be filmed. This movie will be released in September 2020.
Tasha has taken part in the “Ultimate Performers” competition for 3 years where she modelled for 2 of those years and did a solo dance in the third year where she went through into the finals and received a prize for her solo dance. She also dances with the Tracy Delport studio and has also been in her shows which have taken place at the Guild Theatre in East London.