(A scene from the
opening ceremony)
On October 4, 2019, Epworth School in
Pietermaritzburg opened a new Performing Arts Centre, which is a substantial
investment in the school’s continued growth of the Performing Arts – music,
dance and drama –and their role in connecting with the broader community.
A festival-style event, Fusion: Under African Skies, which
showcased the centre’s performance spaces and the diversity of cultural talent in
the school, marked the occasion. Art, drama, dance, marimba playing, the
musical ensembles and the school choirs were part of the programme.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Head of
School Laura Bekker expressed her excitement about the new centre and the
opportunities it will present: “This new facility not only allows for the
growth and advancement of the subjects and activities that will be taught and
performed in the venues, it also allows for further development in other areas
of the school.” she said.
Chairman of Epworth’s Board, Peter
Keyworth, said the Performing Arts Centre is the realisation of a dream that
has been incubating for many years. He marvelled at how well the new centre
blends in with the rest of the school, and congratulated the architects, FGG,
on their vision and the preservation of the architectural integrity.
(Left: Aerial
shot of the Centre)
He also thanked the Epworth parents for
their contributions to the school’s Development Levy, the source of funding for
this new facility. The centre is located centrally on campus and is in easy
reach of both the Preparatory and High Schools. It includes a renovated and
enlarged school hall that will accommodate the annual theatrical productions.
Adjacent to the hall is a magnificent
double-volume dance and drama studio with a sprung floor, which houses the
school’s three dance companies. Five marimba bands have found their home in a
well-insulated percussion room, alongside which is a 100-metre square ensemble room
that comfortably seats 100 people for chamber concerts. It also provides a
raked rehearsal space for the school’s choirs and ensembles. There is a further
music studio on the upper level along with10 sizeable music rooms for teaching
and instrumental practice. Modern classrooms and offices complement the
performance spaces, providing an ideal environment for teaching and learning.
(Right: The String
Ensemble)
At Epworth, every pupil in the pre-primary
and primary section is involved in cultural activities. Pupils in Grades R to 7
attend weekly drama and subject music classes. Music is also taught at the
Grade RR level. A comprehensive instrumental programme has every pupil in
Grades 2 to 4 learning the recorder, violin and clarinet, respectively.
A recent development is the introduction of
piano lessons in the pre-primary grades. There are numerous opportunities for
cultural involvement in the High School, including participation in one of
three dance companies, the marimba bands, a jazz band, string ensemble, and two
choirs.
(Left: LiveArt
Dance Company)
All pupils may audition for the annual
theatrical productions. Music and dramatic arts are offered as subjects to
Grade 12 level along with visual art. An inspiring new visual art studio, which
will benefit all High School pupils, forms part of the next phase of cultural
development at the school. “Epworth recognises the powerful role the Visual and
Performing Arts play educationally in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, self-understanding and an appreciation of different cultures. An
ever-evolving and diverse cultural curriculum in South African schools adds
profound value to our pupils’ development,” said Epworth Head of Music and High
School Head of Culture, Mr David Orr.
For more information contact Head of
Marketing: Vicky Crookes on 033 846 2548 or 082 880 0050 or email: vcrookes@epworth.co.za
or Head of Music and High School Head of Culture: David Orr on 033 846 2543 or
email: culture@epworth.co.za
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