American Fullbright scholar Amy Biehl is killed in the Gugulethu township of Cape Town: it’s a senseless murder, carried out by four youths. The mother of one of them tries to make sense of it all by recounting events in an imaginary conversation with Amy’s mother. It’s a real ‘heart to heart’ communication of personal testimony in an imaginary response to this real event, showing how one unforgiving moment in an ordinary day had repercussions beyond the imaginable. Mother to Mother tells a powerfully moving story of forgiveness, reconciliation and understanding across cultures and continents.
Performer: Thembi Mtshali-Jones
Workshops: There will be a talk-back with learners after the show for 20-30 minutes.
Hoerikwaggo is a fun; interactive, educational play focusing on the importance of the Table Mountain range as an example of biodiversity. The play concentrates on the natural environment with particular focus on indigenous flora, the diversity of animal life and broaches: fire prevention; baboon management; protection of species; fynbos and biodiversity awareness; the importance of alien clearing and cultural heritage. Hoerikwaggo is a trilingual production that draws on local archetypes and characters and uses comedy; song; dance and audience interaction to provide engaging education.
Hoerikwaggo is 55 minutes in duration and is suitable for Grades 4-7. An accompanying drama skills workshop of 45 minutes is also available.
Hoerikwaggo was created in 2005 in conjunction with Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) educators to develop a curriculum relevant show and workshop for the intermediate phase. The play has toured schools and the National Arts Festival and was incorporated into TMNP ‘Kids In Parks’ schools outreach programme in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. Hoerikwaggo was performed for Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s Biodiversity Expo in 2010 and 2011. Hoerikwaggo returned to the stage in 2013 with a school tour and public run at Kalk Bay Theatre followed by a school tour and public run at the Masque Theatre in 2014. Hoerikwaggo was re-cast and performed at the Langa Civic Hall for learners from Langa and Kalksteenfontein primary schools in October 2015.
A mini festival of 7 plays from groups in the Secunda area, to be professionally adjudicated from 5-6 May 2011 and final night on sat 7th May. All performances start 6.30pm. Tickets avail from Secunda. Rep henning botha 0794962835. R20 for 3 plays nightly
The Ogreling / Izim’elincinci, by acclaimed French Canadian playwright, Suzanne Lebeau and directed by Yvette Hardie is a rich visual feast for learners, with set and costume design by Illka Louw and shadow puppets by Daya Heller. The production can be presented in English or in isiXhosa (translated by Sindiwe Magona). It introduces learners to exploring moral dilemmas and choices through the exciting story of a six year old son of an ogre (or izim), who discovers his nature and decides to escape his destiny. To do this, he must overcome three ordeals. The Ogreling explores the never-ending struggle between good and evil that resides within each of us.
Drawing on ntsomi storytelling traditions, this haunting and magical tale crosses cultures and continents to bring you an audacious and beautiful creation… that gives us all we deeply need to live and grow…
The production is a strong support to the Life Orientation curriculum for Intermediate and Senior Phase learners which teaches the use of acquired life skills (self-management, problem-solving, personal discipline) to achieve and extend personal potential to respond effectively to challenges in the world. It can also support the Language curriculum, as well as introducing learners to aspects of the Creative Arts. The published text (in both English and Xhosa) provides a rich resource for language learning, language extension and creativity.
Immediately after the production, there will be a talk-back with the actors and director, where learners will be able to engage with the issues in the production, as well as learn a little about how the shadow puppetry is achieved. Workshops in life skills, drama and shadow puppetry are available on request.
The touring of the production to the Eastern Cape in 2012 is an ASSITEJ South Africa project.