Well Worn Theatre Company

Well Worn makes sustainable theatre in sustainable ways. We are a 10 year old Johannesburg based company, established in 2008, that uses performance and play as an activist tool in order to radically examine, interpret and discuss the most pressing eco-social themes of our time. We believe good stories, well told are able to create the space and conditions necessary for critical thinking and open dialogue, providing information and the empathetic response needed to inspire transformation, big and small, inside and out. Well Worn strives always for originality and theatrical excellence, as a means for crafting a poetic and meaningful connection between audience, subject matter and play. We are a well-respected devising and physical theatre company committed to acting imaginatively and wholeheartedly to address and reflect on issues of eco-socialism, climate justice and Earth-consciousness.

Well Worn Theatre company comprises of several young artists and is headed up by artistic director, Kyla Davis, a highly trained performer and director who specialised at The School of Physical Theatre in London. Well Worn aims to be a mouthpiece that translates complex social and ecological issues into accessible, visually arresting performances that are also able to engage a diverse and young audience. We want to grow a socially and ecologically conscious new generation through theatre.

Workshops and Services

LATEST PROJECT: ‘Galela’

In 2018 Well Worn Theatre Co. is touring a new production called ‘Galela’. This 3-Hander is directed by Thembela Madliki, and centres around three children, their playground – the community water well, and issues of water conservation. See description below:

Splash and splutter…then shhhhhh…only ripples left…Who will dive in next? Well Worn’s latest physical theatre production for young audiences,´Galela’ is a thirst-quenching tale of a small community deeply affected by our country’s water issues. Three best friends embark on the brave task of making their town´s water safe to drink again. They soon discover however, that the problems affecting the dam are deeper and more complicated than they first thought. Still determined to try and make a difference and to secure the future of their friends and family, the trio prove in spectacular fashion that children with the biggest imagination will save the world.

To whet your appetite for fresh youth theatre while learning more about drought, water pollution and other water issues currently affecting South Africa, please e-mail: wellworntheatre@nullgmail.com or call/sms 0818933633 to book a performance.

Catch ‘Galela’ in the second half of 2018 when will be visiting schools theatres, festivals and environmental events across the country. Call us today to book a performance.

OTHER SHOWS ON OFFER:

‘Plastocracy’

PLASTOCRACY is the name of a play by Well Worn Theatre Company which toured high schools in South Africa in 2017, and will continue a short tour in 2018. The play speaks about a world gone plastic mad and the catastrophic impact that plastic pollution has on our earth’s eco-systems, especially our oceans! A play to meet like-minded people, ask questions, and share information and ideas for action around plastic pollution. Join the conversation. Make that change. Just say NO to single-use plastic. Make better consumer choices TODAY. #ThereIsNoAway

For more information or to book ‘Plastocracy’, e-mail: wellworntheatre@nullgmail.com. Or call/sms: 081 893 3633

‘Rat Race’

‘Rat Race’ is a pop-up storybook play for the very young about an unlikely friendship between stressed-out city rat Miles and kind, easy-going farm mouse Melissa. It’s a comic play with a gentle eco theme that uses live music, clowning, puppetry, illustrations and physical theatre to tell a colourful ‘tail’ about Big Changes in Little Lives. The story follows Miles the rat who is a Big Cheese in the Big City, but when his hectic lifestyle starts to make him ill, he is ordered (by his mother!) to go on holiday to the countryside and relax. There he meets Melissa, a simple-living Earth mouse who loves the peace and tranquillity of her farm life. Miles and Melissa get off to a bad start when their worlds collide and they discover that they have very different daily routines. Miles thinks Melissa is too bossy and Melissa thinks Miles is too loud. Things change however, and so do rodents. Melissa helps Miles learn how to control his temper, relax and find peace in the little things like gardening and a good night’s sleep. Miles teaches Melissa how to really dance! After his holiday, Miles returns to the Big Smoke a changed rat, with tools to help him cope with his busy city life.

Directed by Kyla Davis with an ingenious turning set by Christelle Van Graan, ‘Rat Race’ is performed by Ameera Patel and Roberto Pombo. The play was created in partnership with ASSITEJ SA and made specifically for ages 4-6 but is totally suitable for the whole family to enjoy :) ‘Rat Race’ received a Standard Bank Ovation Award at the 2016 National Arts Festival.

WORKSHOPS

Physical Theatre

These 1 to 3 hour workshops teach the essential principles and foundations of Physical Theatre including physical warm ups, technique, improvisation games and exercises, storytelling, mime, character building, stage combat, acrobatics, choreography and ensemble work. The workshop can be adapted to suit grades 6 to 12.

Devising Theatre

‘Making the Invisible Visible’: This 1 to 3 hour workshop leads participants through an intensive work-shopping process, beginning from a single source of inspiration such as a picture or a poem, in which they learn the fundamentals of playmaking. The workshop can be adapted to suit grades 6 to 12.

Improvisation

A fun, 1 hour workshop filled with drama games and Theatresports designed to engage learners and beginners in the joys and challenges of performing. The workshop can be adapted to suit grades 6 to 12.

Applied Theatre

This 1 hour workshop highlights and elaborates on the important principles needed when making ‘theatre with a message’ with specific reference to Well Worn’s body of work and other examples of Forum Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed. Suitable for grades 10 to 12.

Mask Theatre

Ideally this workshop should take place over 2 days but can be adapted for shorter periods of time if necessary. This 2 full day workshop will lead participants through a mask-making process (learners will keep their mask following the workshop) as well as allow learners to explore and understand the techniques of mask play and performance. Suitable for grades 9 to 12.

Details

Based in:

Johannesburg Region F (JHB Inner City) (GP)

Contact Person(s):

Name(s):: Kyla Davis (Director), Binnie Christie (Producer)
Cellphone(s):: 076 715 2414, 081 893 3633
Telephone(s):: No landline listed
Email(s):: kylalliandavis@nullgmail.com, wellworntheatre@nullgmail.com

General Contact Details:

Physical address :: The National School of the Arts Theatre, Melle Street Entrance, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Postal address :: PO Box 116, Westhoven 2142
General enquiries :: wellworntheatre@nullgmail.com
General phone :: No general phone listed
Website :: No website listed
Facebook :: https://www.facebook.com/WellWornTheatre/,
Twitter :: No twitter listed
Instagram :: No instagram listed

Productions

Galela

Generously supported by the National Lotteries Commission, Well Worn Theatre Company proudly present their latest production for young audiences. ‘Galela’ is …

Recommended ages: 8 years+ No max grade set

Recommended grades: Grade 4 – Grade 7