Blue Crane Arts has teamed up with
Catalina Theatre to make the theatre more interactive for hearing impaired
people.
On October 8 at 12 noon, the Durban
Children’s Festival at Catalina Theatre will have a sign language interpreter
for the production, uMthakati. This
would allow for entertainment for the entire family, including the hearing
impaired.
Blue Crane Arts
(Pty) Ltd is an emerging
company that promotes the arts in totality. The vision of the company is to
integrate special need youth and mainstream youth, who excel in arts, to form a
truly inclusive society, irrespective of disability, cultural differences and
socio-economic status.
The cast of uMthakati all have a diagnosed disability.
Araav Ranglall (8) is diagnosed
with classic autism. In his everyday life, he avoids direct eye contact with
people and blocks out any loud noise. On stage, however, he thrives on audience
interaction and enjoys the sound effects and music on stage.
Athenkosi Mavana (16) is diagnosed
with cerebral palsy. He tends to drag his feet when he walks, but when on
stage, he loves dancing and the restricted movement of his feet is ‘invisible’
to the audience.
Melusi Ngcobo (18) plays the lead role
of the uMthakati. He has a shunt inserted into his head since a toddler which has
led to a learning disability. However, when he performs, he has the ability to
take the audience into a believable onstage experience.
The story, uMthakati, is about a misunderstood ‘sangoma’. The idea of
physically creating a face for the uMthakati through the use of dramatic
make-up immediately captures the audience’s attention to form a judgement. This
leads to the central theme of appearance versus reality. This family musical
production is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave the audience wanting
to watch it again and again. Catalina Theatre has generously reduced price of
tickets for uMthakati on October 8 at
12h00.
More information from Neena Pitamber on 083 260 8454 or email: Neena.pitamber@gmail.com
or visit their Facebook page, Blue Crane Arts. Pre-booked tickets
available through Computicket at 086 191 5800 or online at www.computicket.com
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