Family dramas with sparkle and depth
OVER the past few years, family theatre at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown has gained ground and this year festinos can expect another exciting programme from the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (Assitej) SA.
On its main programme are two international collaborations – Red Earth Revisited and True Confusion.
Red Earth Revisited, by Speelteater Holland and Assitej SA, is a re-imagining of the events around the Xhosa prophetess Nongqawuse, seen through the eyes of a migrant stork. After its stint on the National Arts Festival Main Programme it is to tour the Eastern Cape, including East London’s Guild Theatre.
The production stars local actors Macebo Mavuso, Thami Mbongo and Roshina Ratnam as well as a chorus of South African and Netherlands-based artists, and also uses puppetry, movement and song in vibrant and interesting ways.
True Confusion by ZeBu (Denmark), aimed at ages eight to 13, is a physical interpretation of the situation where children find themselves paradoxically accepting their reality while bombarding it with hundreds of questions. It is playful, challenging and interactive.
This dance production has toured extensively internationally and is now on South African soil for the first time.
The theme of “Dance for Young Audiences” is continued with a local production: Once upon a Fire by Briony Horwitz, co-directed by Nkosinathi Gaar and choreographed by David Matamela (SA “So You Think You Can Dance” judge).
Aimed at audiences aged 5 – 11, this show revives the ancient art of story-telling, celebrates it in dance and punctuates it with shadow puppetry.
There are also a number of performances which address issues like social injustice, crimes against humanity, disability and inclusivity in exciting and challenging ways, providing the opportunity for starting conversations with young people around important issues:
● The Orphan of Gaza by Eliot Moleba performed by Nidaa Hussein and Megan van Wyk, tells the story of a young girl in Gaza.
● Warrior on Wheels, presented by the Chaeli Campaign, directed by Jayne Batzofin, is based on Deidre Gower’s book. It aims to engage and enliven the imagination and encourage a more accepting society, especially for those with disabilities. This production was specifically created for children aged 7 – 15.
● Mirrored Flaws by Thando Baliso tells the story of three teenagers embroiled in social ills.
This production, aimed at teenagers, is told through movement, spoken word and dance.
● Clowning is always popular with the young and young at heart, and fans will not be disappointed in Double the Fun by veteran Durban clown Adi Paxton, who returns with this production made up of magic, clowning and puppetry for ages three and up.
● Making Mandela – written by Nick Warren and Jenine Collocott and directed by Jenine Collocott – is an imaginative journey through the childhood of Nelson Mandela featuring colourful characters, vividly portrayed in beautiful masks, with physical performances supported by emotive sound design and theatrical styling. This is the story of what influenced the rural boy to become the global legend.
● Florence and Watson is written and directed by Rob van Vuuren and his wife, Dani Bischoff.
Says Van Vuuren: “We wanted to put together a show our own daughter would love. So we’ve created a magical mountain full of fairies, dragons, giants and talking animals and found the best actors we could to infuse it with great comedy, awesome music and beautiful performances.”
● Rhodes graduate Richard Antrobus returns to the festival with mime comedy solo Being Norm, ideal for anyone 10 and over.
● Lake – directed by Daniel Buckland, performed by Ryan Dittman and Jaques de Silva – returns to address issues such as friendship and water conservation through warm, funny physical theatre, clowning and puppetry.
● Music for the festival’s young audiences includes The Keiskamma Academy presenting Indalo, directed by Mojalefa Mokanya, which is performed by a 22-piece orchestra band and 10 storytellers.
The story, set in the Eastern Cape, unpacks the deep and magical relationship between animals and the amaXhosa, and weaves together different strands of artistic expression, including music, storytelling, physical performance and visual art.
For more information visit www.assitej.org.za or visit www.nationalartsfestival. for bookings. — DDR