(Pippa Jazmine Dyer)Durban based actor, scriptwriter, and businesswoman, Pippa Jazmine Dyer, is looking for reasonably priced premises to house a performing arts studio. A proposal has been sent through to the Municipality for premises, but she is looking for testimonials in support of this idea ...
ASP ... The Dream ... is a studio for performing artists ... ASP ... a place where Durban actors, (young and old), performers, singers, songwriters, filmwriters, musicians, directors, even producers and like-minded people - performing artists - can accumulate, network, connect, enjoy classes and each other. A place where performers can gather daily for writing workshops, voice classes, rehearsals, scriptwriting courses, networking, small displays open to the public, and related media activities. A Central Hub for creative ideas in Durban.
"South Africa is an extraordinary place,” says Pippa Dyer. “There are so many stories to tell … and ideas to develop: the elders who went through Apartheid wish to tell their story of struggle and hardship, how they got by, escaped detention (or not) and how it shaped their personalities; the youth want to tell their stories of their diverse upbringings and interests, how they just want to live their lives and stories of Apartheid bore them to death!; others want to tell intense stories of how they wish to be free from traps!; some want to tell quirky South African comedy’s; and yet other individuals just want to tell their stories of Africa, South Africa, their journey inside this mysterious, wonderful, and extremely colourful country of ours.
“The idea of ASP is to create a playground of activity”, she continues, “to allow the platform to give people focus, allow them to create these ideas, and then assist the development process until they are kicked out into an International Arena. Why not? South Africa is an incredible place with incredible talent. Why should we not have more stories like Tsotsi? … They are out there … we just need to create the space and focus in which they can exist.”
ASP is hoping to create an internationally viable studio where products will first of all be kicked out into the public market place, to test responses, and then bumped onto the International arena even further. The intention of ASP is to create works that can exist both locally and internationally. ASP will not stop the creative process just at the writing stage, there will be various extra mural drama classes, workshops, and staged readings, to work as a testing ground for the written material to be tried and tested before it goes out into the broader public eye. Because of the nature of the work, ASP studio will also be on the look out for developing musical talents ... Dyer believes that many people who are interested in the performing arts have not only theatrical or writing abilities, but often have voices themselves!
"South Africa is a country alive with musical abilities since the beginning of time … with our broad base of rhythmical students, this discipline will be open to be developed here as well,” she adds. “We don't need more talent ... we have loads of that ... what we need is good teachers and mentors! And a place to house the talent available. Why should Durban not provide this place and space!?"
Dance forms are also of interest to ASP. Not necessarily specific dance forms such as Classical Dancing, there are plenty of studios for that, but for alternative dance forms such as Krumping, Clowning, and B-Boy techniques. Dyer is passionate about this possibility, "Krumping and Clowning are forms of American dancing that actually started in the ‘hood’ areas to keep young, afro-American children off the streets. It involves single or group dancing and is often done as a ‘duel’ or ‘challenge’ to a rival group or gang. Rappers also participate with this form of dance/voice/music … The reason why I think that this idea is exciting is because South Africa is often seen to copy American ideas, trends and culture … but we have our own very individual culture! If I could have a shot at it, I’m convinced that I could nurture serious talents in South Africa and allow youth here to find there own form of ‘Krumping and Clowning’. A South African version. We could be the leaders in our own country instead of the followers!"
Also on the cards are tried and tested methods of yoga classes and Pilates as well as a number of show-cases, Open Days and Evenings where the public the community-at-large will be able to come and view the students’ talents. A Tea-Garden, Networking place, is a definite requirement. Integration of Community Involvement is a must! There are several Schools who could benefit from extramural extramural activities such as developing Creative or Writing skills, Drama, or Music.
ASP studio intends to have a space in which all members of society can participate. All in all, Dyer believes that ASP is a win-win situation for all!
Anyone who wishes to assist Pippa Jazmine Dyer with premises, financing or funding of this project, or has teaching skills, or any other skills or ideas that could be utilized should contact her on 083 303 7433.
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