The age old African art of storytelling comes alive on stage with this original production of traditional African animal folklore tales. Through comedy, song, dance and drama these stories are made relevant to a contemporary audience as they bring their ‘lessons’ into a modern day context.

Our story begins with a family preparing for a feast. Khokho (great grandfather) is returning home after a long journey of collecting stories from around Africa and his granddaughter and great granddaughter are hard at work readying themselves for his arrival.

We join Khokho on the last leg of his journey and discover that a villain, who wishes to steal his suitcase of stories, is secretly pursuing him.

Along the way Khokho rests often, as he is tired from his long journey, and opens his suitcase to recount the many stories that he has gathered. These stories come to life using physical theatre and the creative use of props and costumes.

We are constantly aware of the villain in the background and are humored by Khokho’s ability to unwittingly ward him off.

The themes of the stories are linked to incidents that we see occurring back home between mother and daughter. They tackle issues such as respect, patience and greed.

Khokho’s final story is told after his well-celebrated arrival back home. He cleverly incorporates local townsfolk and his family to enact the story. Then much to the villain’s surprise Khokho involves him in the story and through this the villain learns about sharing and the power of storytelling.

Details

Duration:

45 minutes

Recommended Age:

No min or max grade set

Recommended Grade:

Grade 2 – Grade 10

Language(s):

English (first language) / Xhosa (second language)

Curriculum Connection:

Creative Arts, History, Home/Additional Language, Life Orientation/Life Skills, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences

Themes Covered:

Change, Choices, Creativity, Cultural diversity, Family dynamics, Fate/Free Will, Identity, Imagination, Life skills, Self-efficacy, Self-image, Survival

Photo Gallery

Audience Comments

THIS IS WHAT OUR PUPILS NEED ON A REGULAR BASIS. – A SCHNELL, PLETT PRIMARY