(Above: Some of the
youngsters taking part)
Twist Theatre Development (Durban) is embarking on an
ambitious initiative – working with ten KZN theatre groups to fund, support and
mentor ten theatre shows to tour to schools.
Dr Emma Durden, one of the Directors of Twist, explains: “We understand the need for young people to engage with important issues: like bullying, connecting with people with disabilities, anti-smoking and road safety. We are working with ten theatre groups across KZN to create theatre productions that talk to some of these issues, which will tour to rural and peri-urban schools in the geographical areas where the theatre groups are from.”
Twist, who have been working with community theatre groups since 2009, invited 36 community theatre group leaders from around KZN to attend a two-day workshop in Durban last month.
“The aims of the workshop were two-fold: firstly, to build the group leaders' skills in thinking about making effective theatre for schools, and how these shows can bring value to both the learners and teachers. The second area of focus was on the logistics of working in schools, on publicising shows, and on creating solid proposals and seeking funding for educational theatre projects,” explained Durden.
The groups were invited to apply to stage a theatre-in-education production. From the applications received, ten productions were selected. A second two-day workshop was held with the ten selected group leaders to further fine-tune the process, and to work on their content and logistics. Each group will have its own mentor selected from Twist alumni and other well-known local theatre makers to work with them for the duration of the project.
“We are hugely excited about the potential impact of this process,” Durden continues. “Theatre groups are gaining skills and really valuable experience while telling important stories to children in a creative and memorable way, and giving learners a taste of real quality theatre,” she says.
The ten groups are from: Pietermaritzburg; Richards Bay; Kwa Mashu (two groups); Mariannhill (two groups); Umbumbulu; Ulundi and Umlazi (two groups).
About Twist
Twist has been awarded funding through the NAC/PESP6 for the
Schools' Performance Project. Twist Theatre Development Projects (Durban) was
established to support and develop community theatre in KwaZulu-Natal. Founded
by Roel Twijnstra, with Dr Emma Durden and Jerry Pooe, it now has a network of
trained theatre practitioners. It creates sustainable relationships and
networks for theatre development. Twist connects local institutions such as
theatre organisations, the drama departments of theatre schools, theatre
festivals, mentors and experienced theatre practitioners and together works on
projects which include festivals, writing workshops, directing and performing
projects, and international exchange. The projects are designed to assist
the selected community theatre groups to develop the quality of their work artistically,
and to develop their capacity to build their groups into self-sustaining
bodies.
Projects in detail:
Vika Arts – Pietermaritzburg
Surprise bursaries are given to promising students – but at
what cost? A cautionary tale reminding us that generous offers usually have
strings attached.
Zimbani Disabled Group – Richards Bay
Teaches us empathy and tolerance when caring for people
living with disabilities
Rooted Twins – Kwa Mashu
Teaching young men to stop bullying and step up to prevent
GBV. Learning to understand tolerance of people who are different from us.
Umbizo Theatre – Mariannhill
Stones in the Dark: Addressing sexual abuse, and the silence
that surrounds this.
Glass House Productions – Umbumbulu
Mischievous magical menagerie: encouraging children to be
confident and not feel out of place
E-Taine Productions – Mariannhill
Izandla Zyagezana – a mime piece inspired by Charlie
Chaplin, reminding us that we need each other’s help
Amaciko Kwa Zulu Arts Project – Ulundi
Isililo somtwana: Looking at teenage pregnancy and teaching
girl children to be strong
Ishmasiya Discoveries – Umlazi
“Puff” – a play about avoiding peer pressure, smoking and
party drugs
D_A Creative Space – KwaMashu
An adaptation of Wela Kapela’s Jackal and the Wolf told with puppets
Creatives Art Zone Production – Umlazi
Road safety is in the spotlight – teaching children to
safety around traffic.