(Thabani Mahlobo and Faca Kulu. Pic by Val Adamson)Ilanga Newspaper and Stable Theatre have combined in a vibrant youth project aimed at school learners aged 10 to 12.
Titled Rhythm Dudes, this Stable Theatre production is the brainchild of popular multi award-winning veteran actress, director and writer, Caroline Smart.
The writing of the script was sponsored by The KZN Performing Arts Trust through Friends of Music and sees two actors taking their audiences through an innovative edutainment programme with the use of rhythm.
Rhythm Dudes offers a fun, crazy, rhythmic journey for young people introducing them to various rhythms while spreading the message of harmony, teamwork and respect of one’s leaders (teachers, parents and elders - not to mention, future bosses) as well as fellow learners and friends.
The two “dudes” are rhythm crazy and will prove that you can have fun with rhythm without the expense of instruments because plastic bottles work just as well.
Spearheading the project under Smart’s direction are veteran Durban actors Faca Kulu and Thabani Mahlobo. Both well-known and popular actors with a delightful sense of humour and a strong flair for comedy, they have worked closely with her in compiling the various rhythm sections, acting out the script and translating it into isiZulu.
Kulu and Mahlobo have a compassion for young people and the desire to educate through entertainment. They have appeared in many professional theatre productions in Durban and Kulu spent several years touring the United States, UK and Europe with Sarafina and The Lion King.
The first phase of Rhythm Dudes is the Ilanga 25, a series of 25 performances for schools in isiZulu. A strong focus of the production will be to remind young Zulu speakers of the importance of respecting their parents and elders as well as respecting the merit of their proud culture and heritage. This leads to the value of responsible behaviour both at home and in public.
Schools interested in seeing the production in isiZulu should contact Thembeka Shandu at Ilanga Newspaper on 031 334 6709.
An English version for schools will be available shortly, contact Stable Theatre for more details on 031 309 2513.
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